This term, Highlights’ Participate programme has continued to bring high quality creative experiences directly into primary schools, connecting children with professional artists and opening up new ways to explore movement, storytelling and self-expression.
From dance and drama to poetry and puppetry, schools across Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland have welcomed a wide range of workshops designed to spark imagination and build confidence.
At Warcop Primary School, pupils took part in dynamic dance workshops with Eliot Smith Dance. For many, it was a chance to discover a new passion. As Miss Scott shared, “Lots said that they don’t usually like dance but now they do like it, boys in particular. Loved the dance and wanted to start a club. It was the best time ever.” The sessions not only introduced new skills but also shifted perceptions, encouraging children to see dance as something for everyone.
Creativity took a different form at Asby Primary School, where Life and Limb led a hands-on fish puppet making workshop. Artist Will Steele guided pupils through the process of designing and creating their own puppets, combining craft with storytelling. “Really engaging delivery from Will Steele, very knowledgeable and the puppets produced were fun to make and use,” said Mr Liles.
Poetry also played a central role this term, with Rowan McCabe visiting Kirkby Thore and Brough Primary School. Through performance and playful writing exercises, pupils explored language in an accessible and imaginative way. At Kirkby Thore, Miss Gittins noted, “The children enjoyed playing games, hearing the poet’s own poem about the barn owl and discussing their own pets.”
At Brough Primary School, the impact was clear in the children’s own words.
“It was great to hear a real poet perform.”
“I liked the rap.”
“I enjoyed learning about and tasting the stottie.”
“I liked that we could make things up when we were writing poetry.”
The workshops created space for curiosity, humour and creativity to flourish.
Meanwhile, breakdancer Jamaal O’Driscoll brought energy and excitement to a tour of schools across the North. Thanks to support from Rural Touring Dance Initiative, Jamaal visited 175 pupils at Gilsland, Wark Primary School, Stanhope Barrington Primary School, Tow Law Millennium Primary School, Crosby Ravensworth Primary School and Shap. His sessions introduced pupils to breakdance techniques while building confidence and resilience.
Feedback from schools highlights the lasting impression of these visits. “Thank you so much for today. The children had a great time and the staff were most impressed with your skills. You’d be welcome anytime,” said Miss Atkinson at Gilsland.
At Tow Law Millennium Primary School, Miss James added, “It was an amazing experience for our children and we would love to do more. What a wonderful time all the children had.”
Back at Warcop, drama workshops with Hannah Sowerby offered yet another creative outlet, giving pupils the chance to explore character and performance in a supportive environment. “Hannah was lovely and we enjoyed having her in school,” said Mrs Linsley.
Across all of these workshops, a common thread emerges: when children are given the opportunity to work with professional artists, they are not only learning new skills but also discovering new interests, building confidence and finding their voice.
Participate continues to champion these experiences, ensuring that high quality arts opportunities reach rural schools and communities. As this term shows, even a single workshop can have a lasting impact, inspiring creativity that extends far beyond the classroom.
