A creative 'buzz' in St Pat's

St Patrick’s College in Cavan sparked creativity in its students last week as they partook in a range of art and exercise related activities.

From Parkour, Hiphop, broom dancing and everything in between, the students were kept entertained and engaged as they enjoyed the welcome break from their classrooms.

Creative School is a two-year programme arranged by the Creative Schools Initiative, which provide funding and support for the arts within schools. “The aim of Creative School week in St Pat’s was to nurture the skills, talents and wellbeing of all students, while developing and celebrating engagement in all aspects of the arts,” explained teacher, Dawn McKeon.

The programme gives the mean to schools to invite facilitators to visit and share their expertise and skills with pupils. These groups provided a variety of externally-led workshops, from circus performance and percussion, as well as visual art and blacksmithing. “We also had groups from our local community visit the school,” outlined Mrs McKeon. “The Irish Defence Force dropped in, demonstrating the skills they need in their daily roles, whilst our local scouts were more than happy to guide our students through the art of pitching a tent and surviving the outdoors.”

In addition to these external workshops, many of the teachers sought to share their own skills and talents during the week. Some led workshops of their own, which included woodturning, kinaesthetic building games, puzzle challenges, forensic science, drama, yoga, creative writing, water workshops, playing the spoons, and much more.

“The variety of activities provided stimulated students and staff mentally and physically, demonstrating how broad ‘creativity’ can be. Students played a central role in shaping their Creative School week, and the levels of talent and skill on show were wonderful to witness,” said Mrs McKeon.

The staff in St Patrick's College were concerned about the effect the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown had on their students, stating that the atmosphere and morale in the school had ebbed since returning from the forced hiatus. They decided to take part in the Creative Schools Week in order to raise morale and encourage communication.

“With the effects of COVID-19 making the last few years tough for school communities, Creative School week has lifted the body and minds of both staff and students in St Pat’s, as well as creating a tangible ‘buzz’ around the school,” says Dawn.

“Hopefully, Creative School week has inspired the next great artist, musician or innovator in St Patrick’s College, Cavan.”