The three-year evaluation project Creative Collaborative, conducted by Birmingham City University, has become an inspiring initiative in the education sector. The project’s primary objective is to create a national model that not only encourages creative education but also integrates it into mainstream teaching. Under this initiative, schools affiliated with The Elliot Foundation Academy Trust have attempted to bring about comprehensive changes in the educational system by adopting various creative teaching methods.
These schools have been given the freedom to work with arts and cultural institutions to incorporate new dimensions of creativity into their teaching frameworks. This collaboration not only allows teachers to experiment with new ideas but also makes the student learning experience more vibrant, meaningful, and enjoyable.
The Importance of Creativity in a Changing World
Today’s world is rapidly changing. In these times, creativity has become not just a fun skill, but an essential one. When children are encouraged to think and act creatively, they not only find better solutions to problems but also become more flexible and adaptable to new ideas.
Creative thinking boosts children’s self-confidence, strengthens self-expression, and helps them identify their true interests and passions. This is why incorporating creativity into education has become a necessity. But the question often arises: how can a school deeply integrate creativity into its teaching framework? The ‘Creative Collaborative’ project was launched to answer this very question.
Outline and Objectives of the ‘Creative Collaborative’
This research project, led by Birmingham City University, aims to develop a creative model for education that is both practical and sustainable. Researchers are working with schools within The Eliot Foundation Academy Trust to incorporate innovative teaching methods that unleash students’ creative potential.
As part of this project, schools have partnered with renowned arts organizations such as Open Theatre, Stan’s Café, and SAMPAD. This collaboration has provided teachers with the opportunity to experiment with new approaches to traditional teaching styles. These include non-verbal teaching methods, which allow students to express their feelings and thoughts without words.
Teaching Initiatives Rooted in Local Identity
Billesley Primary School in Birmingham has adopted a unique approach to creative teaching through this project, centering local heritage and identity. Learning is made more meaningful by connecting students to their community, history, and cultural roots. This way, education is no longer confined to books, but is deeply connected to life.
Led by Dr. Victoria Kinsella-Hadjinestoras
The project is led by Dr. Victoria Kinsella-Hadjinestoras, Associate Professor of Arts, Creativity, and Education at Birmingham City University. Under her guidance, the team is developing a “Creative Toolkit” that any school can adopt to easily incorporate creativity into their teaching framework.
Over the past three years, the project has directly engaged over 1,000 children—many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds or struggle with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The most important aspect of this initiative is its inclusivity—allowing every child, regardless of their circumstances, to discover and express their creative potential.
Shared Experiences and the Path to National Expansion
The experiences and successes gained from the Creative Collaborative project are now being shared with other schools within The Eliot Foundation Academy Trust. The initiative’s aim is not limited to a few schools, but to expand creative teaching methods nationally.
The support of Arts Council England is also providing long-term sustainability to the project. The strategies and teaching tools being developed with the help of this institute will continue to promote creativity in schools across the country even after the project ends.
The Future of Creativity in Education
The ‘Creative Collaborative’ proves that creativity need not be limited to art or music—it can be incorporated into every aspect of education. When both teachers and students think and act creatively, education becomes not just a process, but an experience.
Creative teaching helps students develop critical thinking, find better solutions to problems, and prepare them to face future challenges with confidence.
Conclusion: Creativity is the soul of new education
The ‘Creative Collaborative’Initiatives like Borative demonstrate that putting creativity at the center of education can bring about profound change in society. When children are given the freedom to think, explore, and express themselves independently, they become not just good students but also sensitive and innovative citizens.
This project is a living example of how when creativity is considered essential, not optional, in education, future generations become not only knowledgeable but also imaginative and confident.
