Creativity is still undervalued in UK schools, Professor Sir Ken Robinson warns today, almost five years after his official report called for a curriculum revamp.
The ending of the divide between vocational and academic studies and greater flexibility for teachers are vital if schools are to give young people the skills they need for the future, he says.
Writing in this week’s TES, Sir Ken says: “We urgently need a radically new balance in the school curriculum to give genuine parity to the sciences, arts, humanities and physical education.”
He expresses disappointment at the reception his report, All Our Futures, received from ministers on its publication in 1999. The report warned of a decline in the importance attached to art and humanities and called for children from poorer families to be given inexpensive musical instrument lessons.
But he is hopeful that creativity is creeping back on to the agenda.
The Government’s primary strategy, changes to inspections and Mike Tomlinson’s 14-19 review signal the start of a creativity renaissance in schools, he says.
Moves by the Teacher Training Agency to improve the supply and creative training of teachers are also welcomed.
* The Institute of Physics this week warned that too many girls are “herded” into arts subjects at schools.
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