Rathfarnham, Templeogue, Brookfield and Lucan Creative Schools announced 

Schools in Rathfarnham, Templeogue, Brookfield and Lucan have all been identified as ‘Creative Schools’ as part of a major pilot project to promote the arts amongst young people, according to Independent Minister Katherine Zappone.  Each will receive funding and expertise from the Arts Council to kick-start new programmes from September.

The four local schools are among 150 selected nationwide from a process which was almost three times oversubscribed.  Welcoming the announcement , Minister Zappone said:
“It is a tribute to the dedication, creativity and hard work of children, parents and teachers at our four local schools that they have been selected for this ground-breaking pilot project.
Each was invited to submit how it would support learning and development in the arts, engage as a school and most importantly ensure that children and young people would have a full and active role in becoming a Creative School.

The local successful schools are Rathfarnham and Lucan Educate Together National Schools, Templeogue College as well as St Brigids JNS in Brookfield.  Each will now become a hub of creativity where children will develop a passion for the arts.  All four local schools will receive a package of support which includes funding and expertise from a Creative Associate to enable them to explore the potential impact of the arts and creativity on school life. 

A Creative Associate is an artist and/or educator with a true understanding of the arts and creativity and its potential to transform the lives of young people.With this support of their schools will plan and design a unique programme. This process will support children and young people to challenge themselves in new ways, to gain in confidence and to take a more active role in learning.

I look forward to seeing the fruits of their work across the course of the new school year. It will not only transform school life but act as an inspiration to the wider community.

It is important that this pilot is monitored closely. We must ensure that the elements of the programme which are successful are shared with and implemented in other schools so that as many as our young people as possible can benefit.”