Fizz, bang, pop! Another year, another dynamic burst of creativity and learning at the Artis Residential Summer Training, held at the inspiring Royal Agricultural University. Over four jam-packed days, new and returning Artis creative learners gathered to ignite their passions ahead of a new school year, refresh their skills, and immerse themselves in the Artis world of arts education. And oh, what a whirlwind it was!

Our programme this year was a vibrant mix of hands-on workshops, all designed to fuel the fire of creativity and shake up the boundaries of traditional learning. Led by our brilliant Mentor Leaders, along with the insightful guidance of external consultant Ali Parkin and the ever-inventive Trestle Theatre Company, every moment was an opportunity to grow, share, and innovate.

We kicked off with our Artis curriculum, diving deep into our unique approach to integrating the arts into education for our new starters. Chime led dynamic sessions on drama practices for children, where specialists explored new ways to use storytelling and role-play in the classroom. Splat’s workshop on voice taught us how to use the power of voice to spark engagement and confidence in children.

Ali Parkin’s holistic session on The Creative Facilitator was a deep dive into the art of leading with creativity, giving specialists an opportunity to think more about their role as an educator and what they can offer. Wizzle and Whirl took us on a movement-filled adventure, demonstrating how physical expression can be a powerful tool. Wizzle’s “Is it a bird?” session was a spectacular blend of science and movement, leaving us all inspired to soar in our own practice.

The days bubbled with excitement as we donned masks and dove into a world of collaborative learning with Trestle Theatre Company. The session showed us how masks can transform classroom dynamics and burst open new avenues of communication. Kagan structures for collaborative learning with Splat added another layer of depth, giving us practical tools to foster teamwork and mutual understanding among our children.

Evenings were no less vibrant, filled with activities and games that kept our creative juices flowing. From impromptu performances and team challenges, every activity was a chance to connect, laugh, and splash ideas around. The energy was electric!

As our time together drew to a close, the atmosphere was one of inspiration and renewal. Each specialist left with a toolkit bursting with new strategies, ideas, and a renewed commitment to creating spaces for creative learning. The Artis Residential Summer Training is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of the arts, of education, and of the power of creativity to transform lives. Here’s to another year of creating spaces for creative learning!