Hundreds of students from 14 schools across Victoria will work side-by-side with leading creative professionals this year, as part of the Victorian Government’s Creative Learning Partnerships program.
The program encourages students from Foundation to Year 10 to think outside of the box and partner with a creative practitioner or organisation to undertake a project that will enrich their learning across the curriculum.
The latest grants total $215,000 and support a range of projects that take a creative approach to big themes – from the ethics of Artificial Intelligence to online and personal safety.
“Creative thinking and approaches are more important than ever,” said Minister for Education James Merlino. “These Creative Learning Partnerships bring the curriculum to life, help young people make sense of the world around them, and build their confidence and skills.”
Recognising the powerful role screens play in contemporary life, several projects will see students build technical skills in camera work, software and green screen design, claymation and animation. Another project will see theatre makers and game developers working with students to look at the links between online and real-world identity.
Storytelling is a major theme across all projects, including a series of history podcasts written and produced alongside an ABC broadcaster and author, and another that will use puppetry and song to look at the connection between the stars, planets and Earth according to First Peoples’ storytelling.
Many projects will finish with artworks for display in their broader community – from projection designs on local buildings to artworks on agricultural equipment.
“Victoria is home to many of Australia’s most skilled and inspiring creative professionals,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley. “This program enables schools to tap into this extraordinary resource and offer students exciting creative learning opportunities.”
“Creative thinking is a sought-after skill for the jobs of the future – increasingly, creativity is being used to improve learning in areas such as maths, science, technology and more.”
For more information about the Creative Learning Partnerships program, visit: www.creative.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Lismore Primary School students making Unique Digital instruments – photo by Singing Bowl Media