ST JOSEPH’S BOYS GET CREATIVE WITH THE MILLENNIUM FORUM 

By Catherine Ming | Jan 31, 2024 | News

The Millennium Forum today unveiled a brand new partnership with St Joseph’s Boys School that will see Year 9 and 10 students develop skills whilst gaining invaluable access to the Northwest’s leading arts venue.  The project is part of the ‘Creative School Programme’ a two-year project in partnership with the Arts Council NI through the National Lottery, the Executive Office through the Urban Villages Initiative and the Education Authority. It aims to give those students who wouldn’t usually have access to the Arts a deeper insight and understanding of the benefits that theatre, Arts and culture can provide. The partnership will not only provide invaluable access to the Arts, but it will also enable the boys to use the Arts to support their own emotional wellbeing.

Cara McCartney, Development & Creative Engagement Manager said:

“We’re absolutely thrilled that St Joseph’s Boys School has teamed up with the Millennium Forum for their creative learning adventure. This perfectly aligns with our goal of introducing young minds to the world of the arts. We are passionate about nurturing young talents and we pride ourselves in developing close partnerships with our local schools community. We know that when young people dive into the arts, they discover the power of self-expression and build resilience, often sparking a lifelong love for the theatre and the arts. I am confident that this project will positively impact the lives of the young people involved and we look forward to working with them.

Over the next two years, these pupils will get to experience the magic of West End shows, take part in tailor-made workshops, explore the behind-the-scenes wonders of the Millennium Forum and learn from the very best in the industry – professional performers who will inspire and guide them. These young talents will also have numerous opportunities to join award winning Millennium Forum youth projects.”

Ciara Deane, Principal at St Joseph’s Boys School, added:

“St Joseph’s Boys’ School is excited about the opportunity to link with the Millennium Forum to pursue and instil an interest in drama and the arts.  Drama will allow our pupils to develop transferrable skills in leadership, communication, and creative thinking. I look forward to seeing the impact that the workshops have on the boys learning as I know that this inspires confidence, collaboration and leadership in learning outside the classroom.”

Patricia Lavery, Head of Participatory Arts at the Arts Council, also commented:

“St Joseph’s Boys School is one of eleven schools currently taking part in the Creative Schools Partnership. They’ve been involved with the programme since it launched in 2017 and in the years since it has been incredible to see how the school has really embraced creativity to help the boys develop a wide range of skill sets, from building literacy and social skills, to connecting with their community. We wish them all the very best as they embark on this latest stage of their Creative Schools journey and the work planned with the team at the Millennium Forum.”

For more information on how to become involved with the Millennium Forum Schools & Outreach projects, contact Mags Anderson, Education Officer at the Millennium Forum on 02871 272776 or email magsc@millenniumforum.co.uk

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Photo captions

Top:  Chloe Harkin (Technical Manager, Millennium Forum) and Mags Anderson (Education Officer, Millennium Forum) pictured with students from St Joseph’s Boys School who are taking part in the ‘Creative School Programme’.

Bottom: St Joseph’s Boys School students who are taking part in the ‘Creative School Programme’. Also pictured are Millennium Forum staff, Chloe Harkin and Mags Anderson, Ciara McCallion (Drama Teacher, St Joseph’s Boys) and Mrs Ciara Deane (Principal, St Joseph’s Boys).

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