Creative Clusters: A National Model for Improving Creativity in Ireland's Primary Schools

• In Event: As the World Turns: School and District Reform From a Global Perspective

Abstract

In this paper, the researcher explores Creative Clusters, a Government of Ireland initiative designed to improve the use of creativity and the arts in clusters of local schools. The paper is derived from research conducted towards the compilation of a commissioned research and evaluation report on the pilot phase of the initiative in 2018/19 and 2019/20. It is argued that the initiative enabled improvements, which were grounded in the formation of Professional Learning Communities. The financial and other supports provided by Creative Clusters as a national programme of local projects was key to the effectiveness of these communities. The implications of the model for embedding creativity in schools are also explored

Author

• Dorothy Morrissey, Mary Immaculate College