I made some surveys for teachers and for parents of school aged children to see how they felt about the education system’s attitude toward to creative arts and whether or not they thought it would, or wanted it to, change.
It was really interesting but a little sadly predictable. Teachers and parents overwhelmingly wanted a more creative approach to teaching and subjects but basically felt it would never happen, under this government at least. All this feeling was heightened by the pandemic where a greater need for creativity would be superseded by a pressure to “catch-up” on the core subjects. It was really disheartening to hear of teachers telling how awful and unsupportive some of the parents had been too, I just can’t understand it. The survey also highlighted how teachers and parents felt the kids all needed a lot of time to heal and process what they have been through, more time to play and just socialise but that no-one really felt they would get it, and teachers felt unqualified to help them professionally and need support and training themselves that probably won’t happen (outside of v expensive private school settings) either.
The survey has helped clarify my initial thoughts that there is a want from both educators and parents for a deeper creative style of learning and some time and space to heal and process post pandemic. The unprecedented break in the school system that has occurred this last two academic years could be an opportunity to break the mould and rethink the way our children are taught for the better ( hello Ken Robinson) but it won’t happen and that is not only a hugely wasted opportunity but a massive disservice to the kids of this country.