Creative approaches to learning can increase students’ confidence, help boost exam results and raise school standards, the schools regulator Ofsted says in a new report. But, it says, the best approaches are well planned and encourage students to question and challenge.
Mossbourne Academy students © Alys Tomlinson
The report, Learning: creative approaches that raise standards, confirms learning is improved by creative approaches including:
- motivating students with memorable experiences and practical activity
- allowing students to question, explore and challenge ideas
- encouraging students to think creatively
- supporting students to reflect on and evaluate their learning.
Speaking on the report findings, Anne Diack , Head of Education at CABE said, ‘This report highlights the hugely positive impact that creative learning has on students, from increased confidence to improved exam results. It also underlines the importance of well thought out lessons that facilitate cross-curricular learning.'
She continued, 'Engaging Places provides exactly these sorts of resources to teachers, with suggestions for creative lesson planning. There's also information on learning outside the classroom and a comprehensive listing of venues with links to all parts of the curriculum’.
Davygate Church, York © English Heritage/National Monuments Record
Key findings of the Ofsted report include:
- Where teachers had sufficient backing from the school and good subject knowledge there was no conflict between the National Curriculum, national standards in core subjects and creative approaches to learning.
- Students enjoyed the challenge of creative learning. They reported it gave them a sense of personal achievement and confidence.
- The term ‘creativity’ was subject to a variety of interpretations and applications. Creative learning was most effective where teacher’s encouraged students to question and challenge, make connections and reflect critically on ideas, actions and results.
- Partnerships that were planned to complement schools’ mainstream curriculum made a positive contribution to students’ learning and personal development.
Creative learning through buildings and places
Buildings and places are a powerful resource for learning in a more interactive way. For example, one year 3 teacher brought maths to life when she organised a tour of her local cathedral in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
Her students helped to plan the trip - learning keys skills about managing their money, timetables and travel. Once at the cathedral they found hidden mathematical symbols’ everywhere to investigate, from the from stained glass windows to the pitch of the roof.
‘It brought learning to life for the children,’ says teacher Helen Wood-Mitchell. ‘The kids are switched on when they go out of school, they’re excited and interested in everything that is going on around them. They loved being inside the cathedral, it had a really calming effect on them.’
With numerous practical guides, lesson plans, activity kits and inventive ideas, Engaging Places gives you the confidence and tools to deliver creative lessons. For information on local venues providing educational services near you, in addition to teaching resources, make sure you sign up for the Engaging Places newsletter.
For further information on creative learning
Ofsted report
