Creativity in Schools
Can creativity enrich the health and wellbeing of children in our UK Primary schools?
“The art of drawing which is of more real importance to the human race than that of writing…should be taught to every child just as writing is.” John Ruskin
We’re fortunate enough to become enmeshed in some fantastic discussions with early years facilitators, educators, headteachers and parents about the nature of education in the early years realm. With the recent emergence of Forest Schools in the UK and the subsequent surge of inspirational Nature Nurseries and woodland schools; we have been swept into the wonderful position of being able to design and create magnificent early years buildings.
It’s delightful to be part of a new wave of parent and educators who seek more than just functional space for children. Recently we were fortunate enough to meet the marvellous Dr Katherine Taylor, a passionate Researcher and NHS Child Clinical Psychologist who has held the position of Research Associate at Arts for Health at Manchester Metropolitan University. She states that in her line of work; “We are working strategically to implement arts-led interventions within and around child and adolescent mental health services. We hope to demonstrate that such options are effective, as available evidence indicates that arts-led interventions comprise empowering, safe and cost-effective approaches towards sustainable change in a young person’s recovery.“
Do the arts support mental health? Some historical figures such as John Ruskin, William Morris, Rudolph Steiner and Buckminster Fuller to name but a few; were advocates of creativity for human wellbeing.
There are many contemporary advocates also echoing the same philosophy. One of whom is Dr Clive Parkinson, the Director of Arts for Health at Manchester Metropolitan University; the UK’s longest established arts and health unit. Another notable professional actively engaged in researching the benefits of art and creativity Dr Daisy Fancourt. Daisy’s research focuses on the effects of social and community participation on health, with a particular interest in the effects of arts and cultural engagement.
Reading the blogs and publications of these individuals is inspirational. There can be no doubt that creativity and arts focused activities can be hugely beneficial to wellbeing and with this in mind, should be integrated into our national curriculum at every level.
When we install a Rotunda at a school it’s always very encouraging to witness that we are literally encasing the children in an innovative and unusual creative space. This, we believe; can enhance the creativity of the sessions which take place inside the structure.
But one word of warning. If you are looking for a creative outdoor classroom remember that the quality of the building is paramount to it’s success. There may be cheap modular structures available or outdoor gazebo type structures but who said you need sacrifice quality and comfort for function? You needn’t.
If you select the right building, your creativity can then flow from a place of warmth, security and practicality.
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