Part 1: Introduction to Creativity 

Introduction to Creativity (8th August)

In this lecture and practical workshop, we will explore Theories of Creativity (Key Theorists, Overlapping Ideas), Contexts for Creativity (Creativity in social & cultural contexts, Fostering creativity in children, Nurturing your own creativity, Teaching creatively, Your thoughts, beliefs and assumptions about creativity), and an Overview of the  ECH454 unit (Lectures, workshops, Assessments). In the practical workshop, we will explore theories of creativity, and respond to ideas around creativity and the creative process in a range of ways. We will also watch the documentary “William Kentridge: Anything is Possible” and start to make links between theories of creativity, and creativity in practice. We will finish with reflections on creative teaching, and possibilities for fostering creativity in the classroom

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Clare Britt

Part 2: Creativity and the Visual Arts

'Creativity and the art of play' or in reverse - 'Play and the art of intuitive creativity' (15th August)

This lecture and practical workshop will be about creative confidence and learning how to understand, play and listen, to your intuitive creativity or inner voice. Michele will use her art practice as a working example, and briefly explain the process of producing a body of work for a solo exhibition – from initial sketches and research  tofinalartworks on the wall. 

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Michele Morcos

Michele Morcos is a visual artist with a studio practice in Sydney. She graduated from The College of Fine Arts (UNSW) in 1999 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Painting) and a BA Honours in Art Theory. Michele held her first solo exhibition in 2002, followed by another two solos in 2010 and 2012, and over 25 group exhibitions throughout Australia. Twice she has been a finalist for The Brett Whiteley Travelling Art Scholarship, and was a finalist for The Mosman Art Prize in 2009 and The North Sydney Art Prize in 2013.  In 2010 Michele completed a six-month studio residency at Primrose Studios in Sydney and in 2012 helped to establish a new Pop Up Art Space in North Sydney. In February 2013 Michele began a studio residency with Marrickville Council, where she is completing a new body of work, teaching workshops and writing her tinytrappings blog.​

'Sites for creative exchange: Connecting with galleries, museums and festivals' (22nd August)

In this lecture and practical workshop, students will gain an understanding of how museums and galleries can enrich their classroom practice and broaden their idea of creativity. We will investigate the notion of 'colouring outside the lines', by looking at how contemporary artists and experimental practice can provide a starting point for creative ideas.

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Adele Maskiell and Clare Britt

Adele was previously the Coordinator, Formal & Informal Learning at Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art. In this role, she was responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating education programs and resources with a team of specialised artist educators. Adele worked on programming for a number of diverse audience groups, including schools students, teachers, families and students with specific needs. Prior to this, Adele worked as a secondary visual arts teacher and specialist art teacher for Stage 3 students. Adele has a Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) from the University of Wollongong, and a Masters of Teaching from the University of Sydney.

Part 3:  Creativity and Children’s Literature

The Language of Illustration (29th August)

The lecturer will share some of the 'Stories Project' conducted by 7-9 year olds at Collingwood College, Melbourne, in 2011.  The project involved a broad exploration of stories and lasted the whole year.  It included the children each making their own picture story book, writing poetry, creating puppet plays and animations, singing songs and performing small plays together. This workshop will involve as examination of the art of book making, creating a range of different books.  It will also explore the language of illustration through experimentation with a range of materials for different storytelling techniques.  It will encourage us to think about the ways in which the book can be art and ways in which different art materials can be used for different communicative and creative effects. 

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Sophie Rudolph

Sophie Rudolph has worked at Collingwood College for five years, initially as a classroom teacher in multiage classes, and currently as the art specialist for five to ten year olds.  In this role she works in team teaching capacities and helps to integrate artistic and creative processes and practices into the collaborative projects of each class. Her teaching is inspired by the work of educators in Reggio Emilia, critical pedagogy, and poststructuralist and feminist theory.  It involves the key principles of listening to children, commitment to the 'hundred languages', research of the learning process and valuing of difference.  She is also studying a PhD at the University of Melbourne and sits on the Committee for the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange.

Creative writing 1- Ways of telling stories: the unique artistry of the picture book; exploring  plot and character in children's fiction (10th October)

The lecture presents an overview of the creative art form of the picture book. It explores the creative integration of words and images to create narrative, plot and characters. The elements, structure and function of both text and illustrations are analysed. The visual and verbal techniques used to communicate ideas and values, both explicit and implicit are explored. In the workshop students explore concepts and information presented in the lecture to analyse a range of picture books. They also engage in some practical creative writing exercises on developing characters and narrative in picture book texts.

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Amanda Niland

Creative writing 2 - Playing with words: poetry for children (17th October)

The lecture explores poetry for children – language use, poetic forms, imagery – with a focus on children’s open-ended exploration of poets’ creativity with words. A range of poetry is explored, and research on children’s responses to poetry and the creative use of poetry in classrooms is explored. The workshop explores poetry writing. Students participate in exploring ways to ‘paint a picture’ with words, creating simple poetry using varied poetic forms.

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Amanda Niland

Part  4:  Creativity and the Performing Arts

Creativity with Drama (24th October)

In the lecture and workshops, we will look at drama and technology. We will examine a number of digital pretexts that could be used in the drama classroom and then consider how drama making can be shared and digitised using a number of online platforms. We will simulate a number of drama experiences that can be created in face-to-face contexts and then developed in online spaces.

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Jenny Nicholls

Creativity with music - exploring the world of sound: Listening, singing, improvising and composing (31st October)

The lecture introduces creative arts education theories and research that explore the issues of balancing creativity with skill development.  This theoretical framing is then applied to the development of musical creativity with young children. In the workshop students participate in simple improvisation and composition experiences and explore ways to develop creative musical experiences with children.

Lecture and Workshop delivered by Amanda Niland

Part 5: Creating a Major Work

Major works sessions (7th November & 14th November)

Students will create an original artwork suitable for sharing with young children and with potential to enhance their creative engagement with the arts. Projects may include:

• an artwork e.g. painting, drawing, collage, sculpture, fabric art
• a picture book or poetry anthology
• music or songs,  dance
• drama (could be puppetry, including making of puppets)
• digital media

Students will be able to consult with the unit co-ordinator regarding their proposed major works to discuss possibilities during these sessions.

Workshops and consultations delivered by Clare Britt

Major works exhibition (21st November)

This will be a chance to celebrate and enjoy everyone’s creativity. All works will be exhibited from the day after the due date. Students will have a chance to view and give feedback on all works. Refreshments will be provided at the opening.