A CONFERENCE aimed at inspiring creativity in education recently returned to the Floral Pavilion.

The C Change conference, which explored 'The Power of Partnerships – Journeys in Creativity', was hailed as a huge success by attendees.

The event is part of the national Creativity Collaboratives research programme.

C Change is the only North West collaborator and was formed by the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust.

It is based in St Bernard’s RC Primary and Nursery School.

It has been working to push the boundaries of teaching innovation since 2021, focusing on creativity and system-wide change.

Over the past three years, C Change has worked with more than 300 teachers, 4,300 students, and three local authorities.

It has established 12 partnerships that have helped deliver new opportunities and experiences for young people.

C Change believes a more creative approach to curriculum, leadership, and learning will support a reset to learning and relationships within a school.

Emily Reid, C Change project lead, said: "Over the last three years we have championed the exploration of creative thinking and approaches to learning and teaching.

"In addition to the C Change conferences, which offer a collaborative space for learners and teachers to share ideas, we have implemented creative models on the ground and the impact is incredible."

Reflecting on its impact, C Change assessed students’ attitudes towards learning and how their experiences have changed.

The report found that students took on a more active role in their learning, demonstrated more willingness to participate, and showed more responsibility for their own learning, as a result of being exposed to ‘teaching for learning’.

The report also noted that students were more motivated to learn, leading to active engagement in tasks and lessons with improved focus and concentration.

Students were also more willing to share ideas, views, experiences, and opinions.

The report highlighted the value of creative approaches to teaching and how this inspired teachers to be innovative with their practices.

Teachers felt more empowered to take risks and experiment within their teaching, experiencing greater creative freedom which led to ignited imagination and curiosity.

CEO of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Andy Moor, said: "Creativity is a crucial part of life and something that young people can explore and develop beyond the classroom."