About the Training Observatory
Support
The Training Observatory has been supported by PAL LAbs of Learning, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Creative Partnerships.
PAL Labs of Learning
In 2005 a Lab for Teachers and Artists who Work with Volatile and Challenging Young People was piloted; in March a Lab with Brazilian clown, Angela de Castro, explored failure and risk with senior teachers; and the third Creative Science Teaching Labs were in April and November. Lab participants have been supported by mentors and continue to share ideas through a web-based group.
In 2006 the work on failure nd risk was extended to a Lab working with all the staff in one primary school. A colloquium addressing the continuous professional development and training needs of teachers and artists working with Volatile and Challenging Young People was particulalry productive. It led to further succesful fundraising for the establishment of a specific CPD and Training Consortium to develop standards and core competencies for professionals working in the arts across key social inclusion sectors. The first meetings of the consortium were held in 2007.
The long-term aim of the Labs of Learning programme is to create replicable models of professional development which nurture the imaginative powers of teachers and others from all learning environments. The Labs of Learning programme has been supported by a range of funders including Creative Partnerships, NESTA and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.
http://www.pallabs.org/labs/learning.php
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, UK
The UK Branch of the Portugal-based Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation has a reputation for recognising and initiating innovative ideas. Its grant-giving activities are divided under the thematic headings of Arts, Education and Social Change. The Programme Directors also initiate projects and commission publications in connection with their grant programmes, which reflect and promote current priorities, concerns and areas of interest.
Creative Partnerships
Creative Partnerships is the Government’s flagship creative learning programme, designed to develop the skills of young people across England, raising their aspirations and equipping them for their futures. We foster innovative, long-term partnerships between schools and creative professionals, including architects, scientists, multimedia developers and artists. These partnerships inspire young people, teachers and creative professionals to challenge how they work and experiment with new ideas.
Young people develop the skills they need to perform well not only in exams and extra-curricular activities, but also in the workplace and wider society.
Professional Learning
Professional learning is reflective activity designed to improve an individual’s attributes, knowledge, understanding and skills. It supports individual needs and improves professional practice. It includes induction, training or continuing professional development (CPD).
Creative Partnerships area delivery organisations offer a wide range of professional learning programmes for school staff and creative professionals. In addition, we work in partnership with other organisations and strategic bodies to lead a number of national programmes.