Inspiring C Change reflects on three years of success  

The C Change conference recently returned to the Floral Pavilion for the third time. The conference which explored ‘The Power of Partnerships – Journeys in Creativity’ was a huge success with attendees praising the event for inspiring their creativity.

After another successful event, C Change reflects on the last three years and the impact so far. 

Part of the national Creativity Collaboratives research programme, C Change is the only North West collaborator; proudly formed by Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust and based in St Bernard’s RC Primary and Nursery School. 

Alongside seven other Creativity Collaboratives, C Change works to push the boundaries of teaching innovation, focusing on creativity and system-wide change. 

Since its inception in 2021, C Change has forged strong community partnerships and cultivated a new way of thinking that centres on enquiry, exploration and innovation. 

Across three years, C Change has worked with over 300 teachers, 4300 students and three local authorities. It has successfully established 12 partnerships that have helped deliver new opportunities and experiences for young people. 

C Change believes a more creative approach to curriculum, leadership and learning will support a reset to learning and relationships within a school. 

Across seven core dimensions, C Change provides a model for creativity that can be applied across various levels to deliver systematic change. 

Reflecting on the impact, C Change assessed students’ attitudes towards learning and how their experiences have changed. 

The report found that students took on a more active role in their learning, demonstrated more willingness to participate, and showed more responsibility for their own learning, as a result of being exposed to ‘teaching for learning’. 

The report also noted that students were more motivated to learn, leading to active engagement in tasks and lessons with improved focus and concentration. 

Students were also more willing to share ideas, views, experiences and opinions.  

The report also noted the value of creative approaches to teaching and how this inspired them to be innovative with their practices. Teachers felt more empowered to take risks and experiment within their teaching, experiencing greater creative freedom which led to ignited imagination and curiosity. 

Emily Reid, C Change project lead, commented: “Over the last three years we have championed the exploration of creative thinking and approaches to learning and teaching. 

“In addition to the C Change conferences, which offer a collaborative space for learners and teachers to share ideas, we have implemented creative models on the ground and the impact is incredible. We have witnessed first-hand the positive impact creative approaches can have on educational experiences and proudly advocate for a new way of thinking that supports enquiry, exploration and innovation.” 

CEO of Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, Andy Moor, said: “Creativity is a crucial part of life and something that young people can explore and develop beyond the classroom. 

“C Change is about fostering curiosity, igniting creativity, and celebrating exploration. Through collaboration with young people, teachers, leaders, and businesses, we can advocate for creative thinking, challenge conceptions and deliver system-wide change.”