Monifieth primary takes creative approach to pupil well-being

The new action plan aims to put creativity at the heart of Scottish education.

As part of a refreshed action plan to place creativity at the centre of Scottish education, visual artist and filmmaker Helen McCrorie will work with Grange Primary, as well as other Angus schools, to enhance well-being through ambitious and innovative development of school grounds.

It is part of an overall action plan by Creative Scotland and Education Scotland which aims to promote a collaborative culture.

With pupils’ mental health and well-being a key priority, the organisations also confirmed more £80,000 Creative Wellbeing National Lottery Funding to school groups and creative partners to enable them to work together to find innovative solutions to enhance that.

Morag Oldham, the school’s principal teacher, and Helen, both welcomed the opportunity to work on the project.

She said: “Grange Primary are looking forward to drawing on the expertise of Helen, our creative partner, to engage play at the heart of our school and community, using our extensive school grounds.”

Helen added: “I very much appreciate Grange Primary's caring and inclusive school ethos and I look forward to working with them to elevate learner and community well-being through what children do best - play!”

Iain Munro, CEO of Creative Scotland said that creative thinking and activities are invaluable contributions to the mental and physical health of children and young people.

Young people’s continuing well-being is even more of a priority currently due to the continuing pandemic.

He continued: “Alongside social benefits and life skills, they can help children and young people deal with feelings of anxiety, isolation and stress, which is crucial during the ongoing pandemic.

“Artists and creative practitioners offer unique skills in creative facilitation that can help shape conversations and deal with difficult situations, giving a central voice to children and young people.

"Our partnership with Education Scotland reinforces the importance of the arts and creativity to the country’s future as we emerge through the pandemic.”

HM Chief inspector and Chief Executive of Education Scotland, Gayle Gorman welcomed the new agreement and said: “Since 2015, our partnership with Creative Scotland has gone from strength to strength and I am delighted that we are now committed to working together for at least another three years.

“Our shared vision - to ensure the system can enable everyone to recognise, develop and apply their creativity in an increasingly complex and fast-changing world - continues to gain pace and increase the amount of creative learning opportunities for children and young people in Scotland.

“At present, creativity plays a key role across the education recovery agenda and it is so important that every child in Scotland gets the chance to find, use and develop their creativity through learning.

“Working together, we are hopeful that more and more of our children and young people have inspired learning experiences that not only support their health and wellbeing but ensure they are empowered, creative and confident.”