Risking It

Transformational Art in Primary Education

Risking It is a research backed program that uses measured risky play as the key art tool to support students to engage as creative active citizens in their school community. Using risky play as the key art tool supports peer-to-peer teaching, the development of social and cognitive skills, helps to break down social barriers and support students at risk from disengaging re-engage in education.

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Overview

Information on this page is provided by the innovator and has not been evaluated by HundrED.

Updated April 2025

Web presence

2017

Established

150 2021

30 2022

25 2024

1

Countries

All students

Target group

I would like to see child-led and measured risky play and art being used across all schools as a way to support children's agency, creative active citizenship and as a tool to those who are at risk from disengaging from education. I would like to see this program being used as a tool to support children who do not fit in with traditional educational settings find their voice and be seen.

About the innovation

Why did you create this innovation?

I worked as a playworker with Fitzroy Adventure Playground for 8 years and witnessed the positive impact measured risky and child-led play spaces has on the younger members of the community. I saw a need for this space to be extended across public spaces and school environments to support children engage as creative active citizens in their community.

What does your innovation look like in practice?

The project is designed to fit with the schools requirements, it can be run as an ongoing project that the school takes ownership of once initially established or as short term project i..e 2 days to 6 weeks (school term). Schools engage me to work with them to design a project that is then led by the students. Using reclaimed timbers and found objects I work with teachers to support their students design and build their own safe spaces based on the concept of measured risky play.

How has it been spreading?

The project is being spread via social media, research portals, conferences and my website. The project has been part of creative workers in schools programs in NSW with the Sydney Opera House and Regional Arts Victoria.

If I want to try it, what should I do?

To try the program you can contact me via email clare@clare-walton-artist.com and we will discuss how the program could work with your school.

Implementation steps

Introduction

Initial meeting with Principal (or relevant person) and teachers to discuss the project.
* No. of students participating i.e. 15 students or whole school.
* If any students have special requirements.
* Length of project i.e. 1 term, 2xhrs per week, 1 year 2hrs per week etc.
* Choose site
* Draft agreement and ethics forms i.e. parents permission, role of school and artist.
* Draft document outlining plan, role of school and artist's role.

Agreement and set up

Agreement document and all ethics requirements finalised.
* Sign documents - school and artist.
* School to send out and collect students permission forms.
* Ordering of materials, i.e. recycled timbers, pallets, screws, nails etc.
* Request out to school community for material donations.
* Meet with parents of students participating (optional) to introduce project.

On Site - Project Begins

Day 1 - Meet with participants and their teachers on site. (if whole school each class is met
individually)
Introduction of program to students
Site rules discussed and students also add rules
Tool Test and each student receives their builders permit
Draw up site plan. (1st installation to be done as a group).

Building the Site

1. Students meet at site each morning
2. Short game to encourage participation and overcoming shyness, to connect students as a group.
3. Building begins and continues at each session.
4. As the project continues introduce new materials, ie. paints if a structure is completed.
5. Tools down at end of session, tidy, pack up and quick discussion what was achieved. i.e highlights or something learnt.

Completion and Handover

1. Final day celebration, parents and friends invited to view the site.
2. Handover of project to the school.
3. All photography and video footage to be collated by artist and emailed to school for their use.