The Aspire Learning Partnership is group of primary schools in Redcar and Cleveland with the objective to develop a varied and stimulating programme of activities and events that schools can access to extend pupils’ awareness of opportunities, their aspirations and expectations, based on a sound understanding of research and of our community. This includes ensuring that pupils have the opportunity to experience success and explore and discover other skills and talents that they can use in their future careers.

The project has been running since September 2017, during which time the children have experienced stimulus visits to the The Northern School of Art graduate show, to Saltburn and the North Yorkshire Moors and to MIMA to find out how art is chosen and curated for an exhibition.  They have worked with artists including Jan Barker, Kevin Howard, photographer and professional artist, Mags Hayden.

During creative sessions with Jan, they have created their own artwork inspired by these experiences and the skills they have developed. They have gained insight into the work of professional, local artists as well as more direction and inspiration about how they might progress their own artistic interests.

The children’s work is currently being exhibited at our Middlesbrough campus, with a private view held for those involved on Wednesday 13th December.

Alongside pupils, teaching staff from the schools are developing their own skills, exploring ways of using creative approaches in the classroom and sharing ideas and best practice which can be embedded beyond the initial project. The Partnership will evaluate the pilot and work with school staff and The Northern School of Art to develop staff skills through Continuous Professional Development and roll the project out to benefit larger groups of children in the schools during the remainder of the year.

The work currently on display at our Middlesbrough Campus will move to a  public exhibition from 18th to 21st December at Redcar Leisure and Community Heart in Redcar to form part of the wider Brighter Futures Exhibition.

Thank you to Sue Cochrane for the information above. Photography consent received for all images in gallery via the Aspire Learning Partnership Coordinator.