Voices in the Forest

2nd day: Young Exciting Minds Day, Fri 22 June, 10.00am – 3.00pm Beechenhurst Lodge, Near Coleford, Forest of Dean

An integral part of the Voices in the Forest Festival, the Young Exciting Minds Day on 22nd June proved to be a great success.

This special event, organised and programmed by young people from 5 Forest schools, showcased a Creative Partnerships approach to learning and gave the young people an opportunity to illustrate what their ‘dream school’ would be like and demonstrate how they would really like to learn.

With work on show from Berry Hill, Severnbanks, Lakers, St. John’s, Newnham St Peter’s and more, the young people’s efforts and activities were witnessed by invited guests including district and county councillors, teachers, parents and members of the public.

The students chosen themes of Nature, Technology and Expressive Arts were reflected in a series of interactive and creative learning sessions including young people’s animation and presentations, drama, dance, interior design, watercolour art, music, radio, math’s trails, science busters, storytelling and a
mini-apprentice competition to name but a few.

The Creative Partnerships approach is all about inspiring minds – revitalising learning by bringing education into the heart of the creative and cultural sector. Creative Partnerships works with young people, schools and cultural
organisations to stimulate creativity, confidence, community and imagination.

Feedback from the event – both from participants and visitors – has been outstanding. Rachel Griffiths, teacher at St. John’s, performing and showing work at the event, said: “The children have learnt so many things – speaking and listening skills, interaction with people, lateral thinking…the list is endless. It’s given them a chance to do things that we wouldn’t have been able to cover at any other time. It’s been a once in a lifetime experience for them – it’s been fantastic.”

VIP guest, Councillor Venk Shenoi, said: “Different youngsters learn by different ways, there may be some who are academically keen and they should be encouraged. Equally there may be others who aren’t that way inclined, they need the freedom to explore and find out what they’re good at.”

Forest of Dean District Councillor Bruce Hogan said: “There has to be rigour in education but there has to be freedom & opportunity for kids to explore and to learn in a new direction. It’s great to see this much broader approach coming back”

“We’ve been able to learn from the children. It’s given them the opportunity to say how they feel about the work that’s happening or the direction that the work needs to take. I think it is an important lesson for us as a school and something that we need to expand much, much more over the next few years”

Colin Doctor – Headteacher, Newnham St. Peter’s.

“This creative approach is all about shaping the future of our communities, empowering young people and giving them a real voice”

Rebekah Hooper – Teacher, Lakers School