Empowering Welsh Students Through Creativity and Culture

Working as a community mapper for the Public Map Platform has given me the opportunity to apply my passion for education in a hands-on setting, building on my background in Education Studies. My interest in the transformative possibilities of the new curriculum for schools in Wales, particularly its forward-thinking approach to education, aligns well with Public Map Platform’s mission. The project offers schools a path to enhancing student learning in innovative ways.

The Welsh curriculum emphasises four key purposes for education, one of which is to nurture ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world. Public Map Platform complements this vision by empowering individuals and teaching them how to advocate for themselves and share their stories through projects like ours.

In my second week on the project, I visited Gill, a bard working with Ysgol Santes Fair, during their final session where they presented a puppet show featuring the animals of Penrhos Coastal Park. This creative approach, led by Gill, revealed the powerful role that artistic expression plays in helping children from Ynys Môn articulate what matters to them and advocate for their needs. The Welsh curriculum’s focus on expressive arts reinforces this, stating that "the dynamic nature of the expressive arts can engage, motivate, and encourage learners to develop their creative, artistic, and performance skills to the full." My experience working with Gill underscored the significance of preserving spaces like Penrhos Coastal Park for future generations.

Another facet of creative expression, as emphasized in the curriculum, is fostering a deeper understanding of one’s cultural identity and those of other people, places, and times. Gill introduced characters from Welsh folklore across various schools, such as the story of Santes Gwenfaen’s Well at Ysgol Santes Gwenfaen, which promotes mental well-being, and the legend of Santes Dwynwen at Lle Llais events in Newborough. This blending of creativity and cultural heritage enriches students' learning experiences and connections to their communities.

I also collaborated with Play Disrupt during a series of workshops and had the opportunity to lead a workshop during the final Lle Llais event. This was a pivotal experience for me, allowing me to grow in my creative capabilities. In the workshop, participants recreated their 'important places' using everyday objects - blocks, cinnamon sticks, string - which highlighted the limitless potential of children's imaginations. These creations will go on to inspire the icons for the map which I am excited to see the end results!

I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to apply my educational theories and values through this project. Looking ahead, I am excited by the growing recognition of the importance of creative practices in education. Creativity not only enhances individual growth but also strengthens communities by fostering innovation, social responsibility, and well-being. It plays a crucial role in shaping a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

For more information on Curriculum for Wales, follow this site: Curriculum for Wales - Hwb (gov.wales)