A note from Mary Manley, Assistant National Co-ordinator, Primary Professional Development Service
Exploring Creativity at The Ark
The Ark is a rich resource, offering effective learning experiences for
children. Through The Ark’s various performances and workshops, many
principles of the Primary School Curriculum can be realised; the ‘child’s
sense of wonder and natural curiosity’; the child as ‘active
agent in his or her learning’ and children’s ‘aesthetic
awareness in the visual arts, in music, in drama, in dance and in literature’.
In the words of Csikzentmihalyi, ‘A person cannot be creative in a
domain to which he/she is not exposed’. Through its in-house and outreach
performances, The Ark offers children exposure to quality cultural experiences
outside the classroom. At The Ark, children can engage with a range of art
forms, fostering a ‘critical appreciation of the arts for personal
fulfilment and enjoyment’ (Arts Curriculum). In The Ark’s current
adventure, ‘The Girl who Forgot to Sing Badly’, children are
drawn into the fictional world of make-believe, that is Peggy O’Hegarty’s
world. As this world unfolds, children are drawn the story of her life that
reflect both on the real world and their own reality. The Ark recognises
that events such as this can be a springboard for further work in classes
and has developed on-line resources and supports for schools.
The Primary School Curriculum promotes the importance of making, doing,
questing, reflecting, responding and problem solving. Through The Ark’s
workshop experience, children enter the worlds of make believe and imagination,
they are given opportunities to work through the medium of sound and materials;
and curiosity and exploration are encouraged.
It is said that ‘Creative learners need creative teachers’ (Fisher
2002). The Ark provides many opportunities for teachers to develop their
own creativity, through its workshops for teachers. Workshops are not only
concerned with classroom application, but encourage teachers to embark on
their own creative journey, to experience the flow of creativity. In order
to inspire creativity we need to discover our own creativity. In experiencing
the power of creative expression, for himself/herself, the teacher recognizes
the importance of taking children to creative domains, believing in providing
opportunities for children, for self expression, enjoyment and personal
fulfilment, joyful participation, imaginative thinking spontaneity
and risk taking through the arts. These are the central aims of the Arts
Curriculum.
Undoubtedly, The Ark delivers on its mission to host high quality cultural
work which is by children, for children and about children. Children, parents
and teachers alike are lucky to have the opportunity to encounter such high
quality creativity at The Ark.
The Ark and the arts are vital for the future well-being of our children,
and indeed for the future itself.
A message from one of our Corporate ArkAngel Supporters, Anna McHugh, Head of Corporate Communications, An Post
At a time like this when budgets are tight, the transparency and direct
impact of the ArkAngel corporate programme represents excellent value-for-money. The
Ark’s dedicated and highly experienced professional team brings an
extra dimension to every piece of work and every activity, always ensuring
that maximum benefit is obtained for audience and sponsor alike.
An Post holds a most unique position at the centre of Irish business and
society and our brand stands for trust, reliability, accessibility and
innovation. We
take great care in developing relationships and forging links. Our relationship
with The Ark is one of which the company, our staff and all our many stakeholders
can be proud.
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