Creative Citizenship Project

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Background

  • This was a partnership project between Manchester Art Gallery, three secondary schools and Creative Partnerships
  • The project focused on the artwork of political ceramicist Stephen Dixon as a means of exploring the Citizenship curriculum
  • The process allowed the teachers taking part an opportunity to examine this relatively new curriculum area in a creative and detailed manner
  • The themes explored in the final resource look at Stereotyping and conflict resolution in relation to the first Gulf War

Aims

  • To provide a programme of quality CPD for teachers which resulted in a Citizenship teaching resource for KS3 pupils that can be used in school or at the gallery
  • To provide a range of opportunities for teachers to develop skills and knowledge about Citizenship and creativity
  • Review current provision for teaching of citizenship
  • To work collaboratively on a teaching resource – teachers, gallery staff, Stephen Dixon and other relevant professionals

Methodology

  • Teachers and gallery staff explored existing Citizenship materials and tested them with their pupils to identify the best approaches to develop
  • Practicing artists were introduced to the project to help produce a creative and vibrant response to Stephen Dixon’s’ work
  • Themes that related to War and the Citizenship curriculum were developed to help pupils explore these concepts in a meaningful way
  • These ideas were developed into a teaching resource that can be used through interactive whiteboards

Outcomes

  • Production of a CD ROM for use in schools to support KS3 Citizenship, please contact us to recieve a free copy
  • Development of a series of Inset sessions for teachers based around stereotyping, conflict resolution and the appropriation of images by the media
  • Increased understanding of Citizenship curriculum for teachers and gallery staff taking part
  • Increased awareness approaches that can be adopted when teaching Citizenship
  • Using findings and resources developed through this project to inform additional Citizenship development at the gallery