It was a great start to the new year to read headteacher Dr Ann Bull’s ringing endorsement of the principle that “learning is not sidelined to allow creativity, but is enhanced by it” (“Put creativity at the heart of learning”, Professional, 2027 December).

With 30 years’ experience in education, Dr Bull must have seen more than her fair share of changing curriculum requirements and new tests but in her view one thing remains constant: children perform better academically if they are involved in creative activities.

I agree. A fully integrated creative curriculum - with all essential skills, numeracy and literacy covered in its carefully planned projects - provides a sound framework for learning. And creative learning goes well beyond achieving academic results, important though that is. Creativity inspires and boosts confidence, engages children and encourages them to innovate, develop skills and express themselves.

As Dr Bull urges, teachers should be supported to use creativity as a “scaffold” on which to build educational success whatever 2014 brings.

Graham Bell, Schools director at Cornerstones Education, former teacher and local education authority adviser.