As the education system in the UK continues to prioritise exam metrics and EBacc subjects, there is growing concern that creativity and critical thinking are being pushed aside. In recent years, we have seen a decline in the importance placed on these skills in our schools, which could have significant long-term consequences for our society.

There is no doubt that exams and assessment are important, as they provide a way to measure a student’s progress and determine their suitability for further education or employment. However, the focus on results has led to a situation where teachers and students alike are more concerned with getting the right answers than with developing their creative and critical thinking abilities.

This is a worrying trend, as creativity is an essential skill for success in the modern world. Employers are increasingly looking for individuals who can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems, and our education system needs to reflect this.

Furthermore, social injustice and inequality are factors that contribute to the decline of creativity and critical thinking in the education system. Independent schools often have excellent facilities for creative subjects, including art studios, music rooms, and drama theatres, and place a high value on creativity and the arts. However, state schools often do not have the same level of resources or access to such facilities, which can limit the opportunities for students to develop their creative and critical thinking abilities.

This disparity is particularly worrying, as it means that students from less affluent backgrounds are less likely to have the chance to develop their creative skills and pursue careers in creative industries, which only exacerbates the problem.

As the world becomes more and more technologically advanced, with more automation being introduced into workplaces and several looming global challenges on the horizon for the human race, creative thinking is going to be a necessary skillset for future generations. If this isn’t enough, a recent study reports 88% of young people are considering a creative career and 93% of 16-18 year olds said that creativity has a positive impact on their mental health, so why are we overlooking its importance?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

This article was written by the TeacherHaven team, help us support education by contributing to our blog, email us at info@doceoconsulting.co.uk