The creative approach taken to the delivery of English in this school was celebrated in a feature article in the national educational publication NATE (National Association for the Teaching of English). The author was Ms Joy Alexander, an expert in C. S Lewis and retired PGCE leader at QUB.
The article focused on an annual event wherein students reimagine literature in the form of an art piece and then deliver a speech about this interpretation. Joy observes, "Making their artefact not only enable the young people to be creative, it also encourages them to make both a cognitive and affective response to the literary text which leads to deeper understanding".
The author was very taken by the approach in the English department, "I'm struck by how the creativity of the teacher can generate a force field that arouses creative energy in pupils".
The report commented on the wide range of art forms undertaken including: Movie-Maker and Shadow Puppet (both iPad film formats) as well as innovative photography and high quality dioramas.
Ms Joy Alexander was also struck by the stimulating classroom displays calling Mrs Fettes' classroom, "Imaginarium; a place devoted to stimulating and cultivating the imagination".
St Colman's is very grateful to Joy for taking the time to showcase this unique approach in such a positive article and for providing a platform for the students' work. Teachers Mrs Mary Fettes and Ms Alannah Turner appreciate her ongoing support.
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