Alongside my work as a Creative Practitioner, I have extensive experience working as a freelance Creative Agent, supporting the planning, delivery, and evaluation of creative learning programmes in schools across Wales. In this role, I have worked closely with schools, creative professionals, and partners to support the aims of the Arts Council of Wales’s Lead Creative Schools Scheme, ensuring that projects respond meaningfully to the development needs and priorities of both schools and learners.
I value the Creative Agent role for the way it allows close collaboration with other creative professionals at an early stage in the life of a project. Drawing on my own experience of creative practice, I support the shaping and development of creative learning projects while ensuring they remain grounded in the specific context of each school. This includes balancing creative ambition with clear educational outcomes, and supporting projects that are engaging, inclusive, and purposeful.
Projects I have supported include the design and construction of a willow circle and outdoor pizza oven at Ysgol y Bannau, developed as part of a literacy and wellbeing project; the creation of an animated film celebrating local history by learners at Ysgol Penalltau, supporting literacy and ICT skills; and a cycle of original songs and stories composed by learners at Ysgol y Bannau to mark the school’s 50th anniversary, with a focus on developing oracy.
While I enjoy all aspects of being a Creative Agent, the most rewarding element is seeing how quickly learners rise to the challenge of creative learning. Witnessing first-hand how creative approaches make learning more engaging and effective reinforces my belief in the value of creativity as a driver for deeper learning and for embedding creative practice within the culture of a school.
