This blog is from one of COBIS' Supporting Associates.

Written by Tanya March, Communication and Conversion Officer, Arts University Bournemouth

Access to creative education should be the right of every young person, at all stages of their school life. Ideally engagement with learning that allows them to explore, challenge, imagine and create should not be dictated by the school they attend, their financial circumstances, or the postcode area they live in.

Creativity is a key which may unlock the solution to some of the most important challenges we face as a human race. To be successful in navigating global pandemics, climate change, and the fourth industrial revolution, staff and students need to be innovative and collaborative. By connecting with our communities and our environment, working with passion we can strive to meet these challenges together. It is the responsibility of our education institutions to strive to provide young people with the opportunity to do just that.

Of 7659 surveyed teachers who took part in the report ‘Creativity in Schools: A survey of teachers in Europe report, 98% believe that creativity can be applied to every domain of knowledge and 96% were of the opinion that creativity can be applied to every school subject.

Almost nine out of ten teachers in this survey endorse a democratic view of creativity sustaining that everyone can be creative (88%), no matter their perceived ability. Despite many teachers having skills that are connected to creativity, traditional teaching and assessment methods and resources are still predominant.

Limited school resources, budget cuts and curriculum pressures have led to many students missing out on expanding their creative horizons. The arts are often left behind in favour of STEM subjects which is a big disappointment for many students and staff.

The recent technological advances including the rush to embrace online learning has opened many doors to developing new teaching methodology. Students can join lessons from anywhere around the world and this has certainly aided accessibility.

However not all learning should be online, and the benefits of face-to face learning and being in an actual classroom cannot be denied.

Appropriate teacher training is also an ongoing issue. School leaders and teachers must think creatively themselves as to how and where this extra teaching can be found, looking to outside resources to help support and inspire their students and staff.

The benefits of building relationships between universities and schools are enormous. Through encouraging and embracing a closer connection with a wide range of FE and HE establishments, schools can broaden students’ horizons to new and exciting study routes and career possibilities, raising awareness of the wider world. This also aids schools in attaining Gatsby benchmarks for career guidance, linking curriculum learning to the careers waiting out there for young learners. 

As an example, a specialist learning institution for creative careers, Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) works closely with schools across the globe to guide and assist staff in their pedagogy. As the above report has mentioned, applying a creative mindset and attitude is important in all subjects, not purely in the arts, and benefits all students in their outlook and attitudes to learning. Recognising the need that schools actively seek more opportunities to engage with the creative arts, AUB have developed a range of school outreach programmes designed to aid teachers and students wherever in the world you may be. It includes lesson resources, school visits, information on following a creative pathway, workshops and interactive virtual sessions. There is even a Saturday School for youngsters, and summer courses designed to build student confidence and build portfolios for interviews. The summer courses also provide excellent staff development and training opportunities, with teachers attending from around the globe.

By creating closer links between learning establishments of all levels, a sharing and trusting community comes together. Headteachers are assured that their school can stay up to date with its teaching methods and shared resources. Students benefit from their teachers being able to help them with their learning, with staff being knowledgeable about a wider range of careers and confident in suggesting a range of education pathways. The future looks brighter!

If you would like to learn more about how AUB can help your school, please email Tanya March: tmarch@aub.ac.uk