Today we announce our partnership with Saatchi & Saatchi and Willows High School, aiming to amplify the reach of Upriser throughout the UK.
Located in Cardiff’s Tremorfa area, Willows High School currently educates over 800 pupils aged 11-16 where 60% of pupils qualify for Free School Meals and 44% of pupils are non-native English speakers.
Recently the school has earned commendations such as the Schools of Sanctuary and Rights Respecting Schools Silver Awards. With a motto, “Belong, Believe, Achieve”, the school envisions every pupil gaining knowledge, confidence, and skills that pave the way to enduring success.
Initiated by Saatchi & Saatchi in 2022, Upriser aims to captivate young minds aged 11-18, introducing them to the vast canvas of creative industries. Partner schools and institutions receive a structured guide that includes mentoring sessions, lesson plans, and innovative activities to drive substantial transformation.
Spanning seven years, the Cowshed x Saatchi x Willows collaboration will see Cowshed supporting pupils from Year 7 until their final year. Together with Saatchi & Saatchi, Cowshed plans to craft an extended programme, highlighting their unique expertise and abilities.
Vicki Spencer-Francis, Managing Director of Cowshed says: “We are incredibly proud to be Saatchi & Saatchi’s partner in Wales for their game changing Upriser programme. Upriser aligns perfectly with the work we carry out across the education and creative sectors and goes hand in hand with our commitment to giving back to communities in our home city.
What’s more, the new curriculum in Wales gives us the perfect opportunity to develop a programme that fits 21st century teaching, reflecting the ambition of education in Wales, as well as our ambition for the creative sector.”
Under this partnership, Cowshed intends to adapt the Upriser framework, introducing custom lesson plans, workplace visits, focused mentoring, and other creative endeavours. These resources will be open-source, allowing other educational institutions to benefit.
Chris Norman, Headteacher at Willows High said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be working with Cowshed to develop the creativity of our pupils and inspire them to consider careers in the creative industries. The collaboration will provide our pupils and staff with educational experiences and opportunities that we would have found it difficult to provide on our own. The seven-year commitment allows for us to plan a programme that develops along with our pupils needs, boosting their belief and ambition.”
Sarah Jenkins, Managing Director, Saatchi & Saatchi says, “With an eye-watering £120bn contribution to the nation’s GDP our creative industries are truly exceptional. However it’s a busted flush without a pipeline of young talent. Which is why we are so excited that the Upriser platform has gone national, powered up by brilliant agencies in Wales, Scotland and the North-East. Alongside ITV, our founding partner, we’re looking forward to learning from each other and becoming a true collective to ensure the power of creativity is hardwired into education and unlocking the next generation of creators, makers and fixers.”
The team at Cowshed is keen to collaborate with creative companies or freelancers across the city to make this initiative the best it can possibly be. If you think you could offer a brilliant lesson plan, or provide some mentoring, get in touch at upriser@wearecowshed.co.uk.
To find out more about Upriser visit www.saatchiupriser.co.uk.
