Why creativity?

  • 17 August 2009
  • Articl
  • Cre8us believes that creativity is about more than 'doing the arts'. Creativity is a wider ability to question, make connections, innovate, problem solve and reflect critically.
  • These are skills that are demanded by today’s employers. Creative learning empowers young people to imagine how the world could be different and gives them the confidence and motivation to make positive change happen. This helps young people to engage with their education and to achieve.

    "Creativity is part of every area of the curriculum and all areas of learning have the potential to be creative experiences.  The creative process which includes curiosity, exploration, play and creativity, is as applicable to Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Mathematical Development; Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Physical Development as it is to art, music, dance and imaginative play."  Duffy, B., 'Supporting Creativity and Imaginatino in the Early Years' (2004).

    Why is creativity important?

    Creativity helps children, young people and adults to adapt and respond to our rapidly changing world.  By inspiring creativity in children and young people we can help to support them in facing the challenges ahead and provide them with the skills and confidence for their futures.  Nobody knows what the world will look like in the future, and yet it is the job of education to help our children and young people make sense of the world in which they will live.

    'Teaching creatively' vs'teaching for creativity' - What's the difference?

    'Teaching creatively' means that teachers are using their own creative skills to make learning more interesting; teachers are able to find a way of connecting what they are teaching to the interests of their pupils.  However, 'teaching for creativity' is about encouraging others to think creatively; it is about encouraging children and young people to experiment and innovate; it isn't about giving them all the answers but all about giving them the tools they need to find out the answers and explore new avenues of thinking.

    Where can I find out more about creativity?

    • http://www.creativitycultureeducation.org/
    • http://www.creative-partnerships.com/ - there is a wealth of information on creativity on the Creative Partnerships website, including links to projects in schools.
    • http://sirkenrobinson.com/ - Sir Ken Robinson is an internationally recognised leader in the development of creativity and innovation.  His website is a good link to find out current debate on creativity in education.  In 1998, Sir Ken led a national commission on creativity, education and the economy for the UK Government, and "All Our Futures: Creativity, Culture and Education' (The Robinson Report) was published in 1999 (downloadble below).  Sir Ken has authored and co-authored a wide range of books, reports and articles on creativity, the arts, education and cultural development - you can find a link to a selection of these on this website.