Creative Learning Through the Arts: Working with Schools and Artists in Northumberland

 

“Creative Learning Through the Arts” is a short documentary which explores how schools, artists, and cultural partners in Northumberland are using creative approaches—like dance, beatboxing, body percussion, and quilting—to support emotional literacy, confidence, and imaginative learning for children from Early Years to Key Stage 3.

Filmed in and around Berwick-upon-Tweed, the film captures a series of workshops, CPD sessions, and gallery visits that formed part of the Maltings North Northumberland Schools Engagement Programme (2021–22). This programme aimed to improve access to the arts for children in rural and remote communities, helping schools across the region connect with professional artists and cultural resources close to home.

The programme gave both teachers and pupils the chance to explore movement, storytelling, and craft in open, expressive ways—with no right or wrong answers. Through hands-on creative experiences and thoughtful teacher training, it placed emotional wellbeing and curiosity at the heart of learning.

From quilt-making inspired by the Quilt Resurgence exhibition at the Granary Gallery, to beatboxing and drama activities delivered in classrooms, the project nurtured a “growth mindset” in pupils, encouraged freedom of expression, and supported teachers with new creative strategies.

🔹 Highlights include:

Artist-led CPD for teachers and school staff
Hands-on quilt workshops with a professional quilt maker
Beatboxing and body percussion resources for Reception and KS1
Reflections from artists on working with very young children
Teacher feedback on emotional literacy, creative learning, and the impact of collaboration

This film celebrates how partnerships between artists, teachers, and organisations like The Maltings can enrich school life—especially in rural or hard-to-reach areas—by bringing the arts directly into the classroom.

👤 About the filmmaker:
Alan Fentiman is a documentary filmmaker based in Newcastle upon Tyne. He specialises in capturing artists, academics, and creative communities, with a focus on projects involving young people, education, and heritage. See more at:
🔗 https://alanfentiman.co.uk/vimeo-videos/young-people/

 

🎥 Directed by Alan Fentiman | Commissioned by Maltings Visual Arts