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Sir Ken Robinson

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Is there enough creativity in British schools at present?

Is there enough creativity in British schools at present?

Asking if there's enough creativity in schools is like asking if there's enough education in British schools. Promoting creativity in all its forms should be one of the fundamental purposes of all schools. Ten years ago in All Our Futures we made a distinction between 'teaching creatively' and 'teaching for creativity'. The first is about teachers using their own creative abilities to inspire and engage pupils in what they're teaching. The second is about developing pupils' own imaginations, creative skills and powers of original thought. As recent reports on Creative Parternships have shown, the evidence is that when schools embrace creative education in both senses, pupils are more engaged in education, teacher morale is greater and achievement rises across the board. For all these reasons, there can never be enough creativity in British schools. Or enough education.

What is preventing creativity?

There are several factors that inhibit creative education. To begin with there are many misconceptions about the real nature and dynamics of creativity. Teachers sometimes lack confidence in the techniques and processes of creative teaching. National policies, especially in relation to testing and evaluation often marginalize creativity.

What must schools do to become creative hubs/ better promote creativity?

There are many wonderfully creative, high performing schools. Naturally, they are all different. The common principles are that they promote creativity across the whole curriculum, invest in professional development in the principles of creative teaching and learning and cultivate creative partnerships with the wider community. They recognise that promoting higher levels of creativity is both an objective and a method of school improvement.