When Creativity takes the lead everything changes: Cragside’s Creativity Journey
At Cragside Primary School, in Heaton, Newcastle, creativity isn’t just something that happens in art and design, music or design and technology, it is at the heart of how the whole school works. As part of the North East Creativity Collaborative (NECC) Cragside set out on a journey not just to shift what they teach, but to reshape the culture of learning across their school. Their approach, shared in this case study describes how creativity has become woven through every aspect of teaching, learning, and leadership, reframing their school as a professional learning organisation.
Cragside’s transformation was sparked by a culture where professional learning and curiosity are truly valued. Staff were given the time, tools and leadership support to explore ‘creativity in action’, delving deeper into the ‘Creative Habits’, testing out new ideas and pedagogical approaches and collaboratively learning alongside one another.
Teams worked together across year groups from EYFS to Year 6 with creativity leads and a “pioneer” team helping to encourage new and creative thinking, share insights, and keep the momentum going. Families, governors, and students were all encouraged to became part of the conversation too, making creativity a shared language and something the whole school community could understand, shape and get behind. This was creativity with intention, with a Theory of Change roadmap giving clarity, purpose and direction to the journey.
….[I]t’s not all about delivering to an outcome within a year. This is about really important practice that is deeply embedded in individuals who can carry it on wherever they go…."
Becky Jackson, Headteacher Cragside Primary School
Cragside’s commitment to high-quality teaching and leadership has recently been recognised by Ofsted with the report highlighting the impact of its creative and outward-looking approach.
Cragside’s creativity journey reminds us that real transformation isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing differently. When creativity becomes ‘the way we do things’, everything starts to shift and learning transforms into an exciting adventure, for everyone.
*If you would like to read more about the work of the North East Creativity Collaborative please find the full portfolio of reflections, insights and ideas here.
“….[F]or me, this is best practice. And everyone gains from best practice, but particularly our most vulnerable children….
Becky Jackson, Headteacher, Cragside Primary School
Reflecting Together
- What two ideas are you taking away from this story and accompanying case study to link creativity with impactful learning, and your current school strategy?
- How is creativity currently viewed and understood across your school?
- How might you reframe existing teaching practices and professional learning through a more creative lens?
- Who are the creative pioneers in your school and how are/ might you empower and learn from them?