Real Ideas Organisation

Cultural Architects

Cultural Architects is a learning programme developed for a cluster of Swindon schools which raises the attainment, achievement, behaviour, confidence and aspirations of year 8 and 9 students who are leaders in their peer groups and have difficulty in school.

“I like cultural architects because it inspires other people, it’s really creative, we use all of our imagination to make something that's really good.”

Working with creative practitioners on activities varying from flash mobbing and graffiti to dance, the students or ‘cultural architects’ involved in the programme have shown that they are very talented and can make changes for themselves.

The project has seen a 60% increase in positive behavior a 57% reduction in negative behavior and a 37% increase in attendance. This is based on 47 students. We do not have attendance records for 1 school so the attendance is based on 37 students.

As part of the programme the cultural architects have also been offered the opportunity to gain an arts award qualification. Here’s what they got up to:

Stratton Education Centre

The Cultural Architects at Stratton Education Centre have been doing some fantastic work with Bob Blunden a filmmaker and Capoeira teacher. Together they have produced a selection of films that explore and celebrate the pupil’s interests.

Churchfields Secondary School

The Cultural Architects at Churchfields have been working with a site specific dancer Adrienne Hart and Filmmaker Gurchetan Singh to create a site specific dance film piece.

Nova Herod Secondary School

The Cultural Architects at Nova Herod have been working with a rapper and singer of local band Beatbullyz as well as digital artist Mel Shearsmith to produce a music video exploring the issues of bullying.

St Joseph's Catholic College

The Cultural Architects at St Joseph's have been working with local dancer Banxy and graffiti artist Colin Astin to produce a dance piece, with the graffiti they create forming a backdrop for the work. Both artists are previous students at the school.

The Ridgeway Secondary School

The Cultural Architects at The Ridgeway have been working with physical theatre group Rannel and digital artist Mel Shearsmith to produce a flash mobbing event film and final live performance piece.

For more information on Cultural Architects or to find out how to get a similar programme in your area contact Elise - elise.hurcombe@realideas.org

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