Dalry Primary - a creative hub

I acted as a Creative Catalyst for Dalry Primary School, funded by Education Scotland, to help it realise its goal of being a creative hub. I was very proud that Dalry was awarded Most Creative School by the Scottish Education Awards 2015.

Grant Gillies, Headmaster, had the following objectives:
  • To involve pupils, parents and teaching staff in the planning of projects in order to establish a Creative Hub at Dalry.
  •  To create a nationally recognised centre for Creativity, based in a Primary school that provides a model that can be transferable.
​Dalry is Edinburgh’s most multi-cultural school, with over 25 languages spoken. Over 75% of their pupils have English as an additional language (EAL) and it is a magical mix of many cultures from around the world.

The school has established a wide range of creative projects to inspire the children, teachers and parents:
·       Set up a publishing company
·       Published four books and several e-books
·       In-school photographers
·       An artist in resident
·       Writer-in–residence
·       Setting up a radio station

The school wants creativity to be at the heart of everything that it does and that the opportunities that it provide make a massive difference to people’s lives. 
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Have a look at the vimeo created by the P7 pupils about the Creative Hub spaces.

"We wish to establish Dalry Primary as a nationally recognised centre for Creativity – a Creative Learning Hub for our community." Grant Gillies, Head

My involvement was to help them 
  • Share the vision - created an artwork that is on the wall in the playground 
  • Involve pupils, parents and staff in planning of projects
  • Develop skills in school community to sustain this approach
  • Assist in community view of school as a creative resource (2 way)
  • Standardise planning format to be inclusive
  • Make sure opportunities are high quality with evaluative feedback
  • Develop sustainable cutting edge projects that offer real opportunities to pupils
  • Engage with artists to encourage mutual support, through hosting artists residencies
  • Explore funding routes to help kick start certain projects

Opportunities for artists and creative practitioners

Dalry primary is keen to build relationships with more artists. Within the Creative Hub is a library, music room and drama room. It also has a large hall suitable for dance. Grant Gillies, Head Teacher can offer some in-kind support for artists who are needing space to create work (depending on the school's timetable). If you like he can also arrange for you to work with some of the children or the wider community. "We want to provide as many creative opportunities for children and to develop partnerships with creative individuals."

Interested people can pop in for a cuppa and a visit to see the space.
Contact: Vanessa.Kelly@dalry.edin.sch.uk