Implementing new creative processes in the classroom at HMP Risley

Recently, learners at HMP Risley took part in a 3-day workshop, creating their own scratch books in celebration of the Chinese New Year. 

The workshop was inspired by a recent professional development workshop that Novus colleagues attended with Shakespeare North, where they explored a new creative approach to learning and how it could be utilised in the classroom.

Professional development sessions with Shakespeare North

As part of a professional development session with Shakespeare North, Novus colleagues explored the wide benefits of creative processes and how these processes can be utilised in the classroom.

Colleagues explored the use of scratch books and how this method can be used effectively to explore self-expression, interpretation and creative voice and how it can be utilised in any subject. 

The session was a huge success amongst colleagues, and when asked whether the content of the session would influence future teaching, one teacher said:

Yes, I would use a person-centred approach more and then encourage the learners to discuss their work as part of a team, sharing their ideas and creativity

Scratch book workshop to further engage learners in creative enrichment 

Following on from the CPD sessions, learners at HMP Risley took part in a workshop creating their own scratch books in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Throughout the workshop, learners worked as a team, collecting and sharing resources for the 12 Chinese Zodiac animal signs and the symbolism and characteristics of this year’s theme, ‘The year of the snake’. 

From their research and teamwork, learners were able to create exciting collages and collagraph prints which will be submitted for this year’s Koestler Awards as well as being put on display at HMP Risley. 

Through the workshop learners received a well-rounded and inclusive learning experience, giving them the opportunity to develop their cultural knowledge as well as enhancing their personal and social development skills.

The workshop was a huge success amongst learners, who commented positively on the experience: 

I have gained knowledge of the Chinese Culture and enjoyed making my scratch book personalised. I feel that I have worked better in a group and enjoyed making the book and prints out of scrap material

I feel like I have benefited from learning something and getting to try a new skill that I haven’t done before. I am very proud that my work will be entered into a competition

 

Thanks to the CPD sessions that Novus tutors and teachers attended, colleagues were able to learn a new skill that they could utilise in the classroom, further enhancing the high-quality education that Novus deliver. By implementing scratch books into the workshop, learners were able to learn a new skill and develop their cultural capital as a result, creating fantastic pieces of artwork that will be submitted into the Koestler Awards. Entering different competitions such as the Koestler Awards positively benefits learners, as it supports the development of the individual’s confidence, interpersonal skills, presentation, self-management, and critical thinking skills. 

To learn more about how we engage learners in education, take a look at the news section.