During March, pupils at Solihull Prep enjoyed five days dedicated to creative thinking, with imaginative twists added to the school’s usual timetable. 

The inaugural Creative Thinking Week, held on the Saint Martin’s campus, featured a feast of expressiveness as pupils participated in many activities, exploring new ways of thinking and different ways of working within their normal lessons, as well as in amazing, additional art, dance and fitness sessions.

Nursery and Reception children rehearsed and performed an energetic movement piece guided by dance teacher Amy Price, with their daily practice sessions culminating in an impressive final show; and Junior School pupils exercised their rock star flair, getting physical with drumming, cardio and strength training during ‘Pound’ sessions with fitness instructor Emily Mulholland.   

Maths lessons took a tangible twist, with children making ‘human lines’ to map out perimeters and performing Mexican waves to reflect symmetry; science lessons involved pupils cooperating on tasks in Forest School; DT lessons focused on working collaboratively in a competitive House contest and in art, pupils created giant scale portraits of teachers, whilst younger children enjoyed lessons with their older peers.

The theme of ‘Togetherness’ was highlighted through many pieces, with all pupils and staff joining visiting artist Sarah Edwards to make their contribution to a huge collaborative painted wall hanging; and an eco-friendly living willow dome took shape throughout the week, built by willow artist Chaz Friend. The dome will act as a special place for children to gather and have fun together.

Mrs Morgan, Subject Lead for Art at the Prep School said: “What a fabulous week of creativity, collaboration and fun! Our very first Creative Thinking Week, with the theme of ‘Togetherness’, has exceeded all expectations. Pupils and staff across the Prep School, and in all areas of the curriculum, have embraced many different and new ways of working together and have also really enjoyed working alongside visiting creative experts. I couldn’t have hoped for a better outcome!”