Creativity and Wellbeing Curriculum
With over 55,000 objects in its collection, which includes modern and contemporary, historical water colour, prints, textiles and wallpapers, the Whitworth provides unique learning and teaching opportunities for pupils and their teachers.
Likewise, the Manchester Museum holds many significant objects, including one of the largest and most important collections of ancient Egyptian artefacts in the UK and other collections relating to zoology, insects, anthropology, archery and botany.
This work ensures that children within this service are able to access culture and engage in creative activity similar to children within mainstream education.
“Pupils’ social, moral, spiritual and cultural understanding is well promoted, particularly through their recent inclusion in an exciting new project linking arts, media and museums with mental health and wellbeing.”
Marion Thomas, Ofsted Lead Inspector
The programme aims to:
- promote mental health and wellbeing through creative and cultural engagement and enhance learning opportunities;
- raise pupils attainment and aspiration levels;
- enhance the hospital environment;
- share expertise and develop skills and knowledge of how to work with vulnerable young people;
- identify and promote the resources of that museums can offer health professionals, service users and carers;
- develop a greater understanding of the health sector and expertise in cross sector partnerships;
- develop sustainable partnerships with the health sector and arts and health practitioners.
Top tips
- Be aware of specific challenges when working with an audience who may have behavioural or emotional issues.
- Develop your work in close liaison with those who have the specific expertise you require.
- Provide emotional and professional support for artists and other team members working on the project.