Maya Angelou said, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use the more you have.” At Bethany, we believe that once the creative spark is ignited in a child, it is a gateway to unlimited creative possibilities and uncharted paths.
Bethany High has always been at the forefront of innovative education, the iCreate program is a perfect example of this. This unique initiative aimed to engage a large number of students from the Primary, Middle, High school and the NIOS departments. The program enkindled their inner creativity and helped students identify the potential hidden within them.
Bethany High School is the first school in Bangalore to organise such an experience for its students. From the 10th of June to the final performance on 14th June, the students were engaged in understanding and appreciating the creative arts from professionals in their respective fields.
A Week of Artistic Exploration
The students and parents chose a suitable creative stream through a form sent to each child prior to the program. Each department was allotted a time where they had an engaging interaction in the auditorium followed by small group learning. The students were divided into 120 groups across five creative streams: Art, Dance, Creative writing, Song writing, and Film making. With 60 minutes dedicated daily, for a period of five days, the program provided a safe space for students to identify and explore their creativity.
A Celebration of Individual and Group Expression
The culmination of the week was a grand presentation where the best work from each stream was showcased. Over 16 original songs, 12 short films, and countless paintings, colourful artwork, synchronised choreography segments, inspiring poems, powerful stories, and amusing essays were created. It was a testament to the power of iCreate in igniting students’ imaginations.
Stepping Outside Their Comfort Zones
One of the most heart-warming aspects of iCreate was seeing students who might typically shy away from public performances come alive. The program fostered a sense of inclusivity, where everyone had the opportunity to sing, dance, explain their artwork, or recite their creations. It was a week that celebrated every student’s unique talents.
A Collaborative Effort
The success of iCreate goes to the visionary leadership of Miriam Joshua, founder of iCreate (VOH Culture), and the talented team of facilitators.
Award-winning filmmaker Mark Samuel, singer-songwriter Prakruthi Angelina, writer Susan Narjala, and a host of other artists, dancers, and photographers along with 25 volunteers, all played a crucial role in mentoring and guiding the students in finding their own unique voice.
iCreate was a resounding success, showcasing the potential of creative expression in education. It provided a platform for students to explore their talents, collaborate with peers, and step outside their comfort zones. The exposure to the creative arts ignited in the students a desire to be original and hone their unique talents and creative skills. At Bethany, we sow seeds today to create the musicians, songwriters, dancers, filmmakers and the artists of tomorrow…