POST-primary schools are preparing to take part in a landmark programme which aims to boost educational outcomes by bringing more creative skills into the classroom.
Nine schools across Derry and Belfast have been awarded grants of up to £8,000 each as part of the Creative Schools Partnership.
The three-year £300,000 scheme is backed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, The Executive Office's Urban Villages Initiative and delivered by the Education Authority.
It is based on research which indicates that access to quality arts experiences in school can benefit all aspects of learning.
Groups of young people within each participating school will have an opportunity to work with professional artists to develop a range of skills from script writing and theatre production, to musical composition and performance.
Many of the projects will see students engage with the local community, including care homes and day centres.
"While each of the projects taking place this year are all very different, what they have in common is that they will help the young people involved develop their own sense of self-belief, as well as supporting their learning and development in all aspects of school life," said Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
