How can we reimagine a creative education for all?

In 2025 we are hearing many stories of how school is failing to meet the needs of pupils and teachers alike. All over the world, from Ireland to Australia, many innovative thinkers are examining how we ended up here, and how do we fix, replace or redesign the school system.

In this Cultural Sector Masterclass session, you will hear from:

Hannah Joyce, teacher and creative facilitator currently working on AND’s Teaching for Creativity programme

Sharon O’Neill, director at the Cork Life Centre, a centre for alternative education

Errol Comrie, headteacher and community champion, advocating for the power of the unheard voice. Errol is a member of the board of trustees for AND.

This Masterclass will give us a chance to reflect on:

• What purpose, and who, is school serving
• What alternative ways could be used to educate
• How can we make sure that children and young people are not ‘left behind’ in a system that doesn’t suit their needs

This event may be particularly relevant for anyone who:

• Works with children and young people
• Develops creative programmes for children and young people
• Is an artist or cultural organisation working in delivery with children and young people looking to develop their inclusive practice

This Masterclass will be hosted by by Clare Murphy, a storyteller, speaker and consultant who brings the ancient art of story firmly into the contemporary world where it belongs

This free CPD is a part of A New Direction's Cultural Sector Masterclass 2025-26 series for creative learning professionals to reflect upon and strengthen your practice. This session is only available online and won't be recorded.

Find out more about our Cultural Sector programme.

A New Direction are committed to making all our events accessible. If you would like to attend this event, and require any access support to be able to participate, (i.e BSL interpreter etc) please let us know when you sign up (at least 1 week before the event), and we will do all we can to make this possible.