Curious Cargo aims to offer/create
creative experiences which enable young people to develop skills that
will be valuable for life: initiative, creative problem solving, imagination,
lateral thinking, and an ability to explore and experiment. Many creative
experiences are purely about the 'process' and about being 'in the moment'
so often these are workshops/experiences that aren't outcome/product led.
We are inspired by the aims & philosophy of 'Reggio Emilio', with
an ongoing emphasis on child-led & enquiry-led activities and experiences.
Quotes:
"Students
who have worked with Tess always remember her next time she comes. During
sessions students are engaged and have a fun time creating exciting pieces
at their own level. Our students can at times display very challenging
behaviours; she reacts as if she were here seeing it everyday. The creating
is fun and uncomplicated, there's more than one thing to try and activities
are easily adapted when needed. What some people may see as a mess, she
sees for what it is, a piece of art a student has created. She listens
to what staff and students say, and to what they don't. She gets our students
and not everybody does. That's why she's asked back, she just knows, and
we love that about her".
Diane N Bloomer , Creative Arts Worker, Sunfield School, Worcestershire.
"The project
has stretched and challenged everyone (adults & children)". "It's
changed ways of thinking". "It's brought in new ideas."
"There's a lot more variety & choices on offer; the spaces have
changed".
All quotes from staff members at Scout Drive Children's Centre, Manchester.
Previous Projects:
Early Years Creative Collaborators
Project - In 2007 Tess Hills was involved in the year long 'Creative
Collaborators' project with Manchester Education Partnership at 'Scout
Drive Children's Centre' in Wythenshaw, Manchester. This project was influenced
by the 'Reggio Emilio' approach to early years education.
http://www.phm.org.uk/smallkeysopendoors.pdf
CARA Action Research Project - In this project Peppy Hills, and
students & staff at Sunfield School, worked in collaboration with
Curious Cargo's Tess Hills to investigate the research question: 'Exploramentation!
Spotting Authentic Engagement in Creative Activity Among Students with
Severe and Complex Learning Needs'. Sessions & 'creative provocations'
included: mark-making, light & shadow, clay & modelling materials,
smell/taste/collage, found object puppetry/storytelling, construction
& dens, & textured pathways.
http://www.sunfield.org.uk/pdf/Exploramentation.pdf
Broadmeadow Nursery, Wolverhampton
Netherton Children's Centre, Dudley
Sunfield School 'Jazz Project'
Greet Children's Centre, Sparkhill, Birmingham - project to take place in 2010.
