A Chat With a Dreamer #1
Please introduce yourself and tell us how long you've been a “Dreamer”?
My name is Shionagh Primrose, and I am a Teacher of Art and Design at Tynecastle High School. I have been involved with Daydream Believers from the start in 2017, and it has been the most exciting, innovative and rewarding project I have been involved in during my 34 years of teaching.
What was the last resource you've used with your students?
I am currently working on Van of Dreams with my S2 students, who are loving it. The Creative Bravery project, Campaign for Kindness, and Go Donuts have also been recent successes. I have found all the resources I have piloted and used over the years to be fun and relevant. They have inspired creativity in my students.
What has been the response from your students when using our resources?
From the outset, we piloted the course with S2, who loved all the lessons. They enjoyed the teamwork aspect, the freedom to dream and explore with no right or wrong answer and the chance to become confident in presenting their amazing ideas. We have now developed our S2 course into a senior Creative Thinking National 5 course. This year we ran it as a short pilot course. Students were surprised at just how enjoyable, challenging and exciting the projects and work produced has been.
They enjoyed the teamwork aspect, the freedom to dream and explore with no right or wrong answer and the chance to become confident in presenting their amazing ideas.
What do you like most about Daydream Believers?
I love that this project is a meaningful, real collaboration between Schools, Further Education and Industry partners. It is relevant to all involved - Industry and Further Education can have an input into the content of the school curriculum, and it allows my students to gain an insight into the Creative Industries and how people can dream and be creative for a living. It also develops relevant and necessary skills to help equip them for the world of work they will be joining when they leave school.
How would you describe the impact this project and its resources have had on you as an educator?
My involvement in this project has been transformational on a personal and professional level. I have met, collaborated with and had fun with so many different educators, employers and generally creatively enthusiastic people who care about the future of education and our young people. It has changed the content of my lessons and how I have approached teaching. This has been a wonderful experience at the end of my teaching career.
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A Chat With a Dreamer is our ongoing series of short interviews with people who like to be part of the revolution and reimagination of how we teach and learn. If you would like to contribute to this series, please get in touch.
