The Creative School A Framework for Success, Quality and Effectiveness

Using a single case-study school as a role model, this book provides a framework for practice in primary schools. The school in question succeeds in meeting the Government's objectives within its own set of aims and values. The book describes the school's culture of holism, its use and appreciation of its grounds and environment for learning, and its innovative approaches to curriculum organization.

This book is about a unique school. It is a school that, despite the increasing pressure put upon it by changes in the curriculum and the organisation of education, has managed to successfully maintain the creative values that have won it international and governmental recognition. Written for teachers and headteachers who want to encourage creativity in their schools and classrooms, the book describes: the school's culture of holism its use and appreciation of its grounds and environment for learning its innovative approaches to curriculum organisation its appropriation of national initiatives such as the literacy and numeracy hours its creative teaching and learning through the eyes of observers, teachers, children and parents. The success of Coombes School shows that it is possible to combine externally imposed prescription with a set of personal beliefs and values - making a real difference to the quality of teaching and learning. This is a truly inspirational read.

Introduction 1. The Coombes ethos 2. Learning through the environment: the creative use of space 3. The politics of appropriation 4. Curriculum organisation and delivery 5. The learning experience 6. Coombes as a learning community