The importance of creativity The arts are often considered the poor relation to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, which are seen as vital skills in a modern economy. Indeed, some people regard the arts as a soft option. However, there is now a growing recognition of a critical need for creative thinking and visual skills within the STEM mix, and a new acronym STEAM (Science, Technology Engineering, Arts and Maths) is now preferred by educationalists. This development is exciting and has great potential to attract a whole new cohort of pupils who might otherwise disengage from STEM subjects. Once art and design technology is blended in with the traditional STEM subjects, a more imaginative and innovative picture emerges. STEAM has already gathered significant momentum
Victoria Rose Director of Art, Dauntsey’s
in the US, spearheaded by academics and students at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), who developed a curriculum which brought together the five STEAM subjects. Their goal was to educate the
and certainly the UK has a world-class
world of academia about the importance
reputation for art and design, going back
of incorporating creative thinking and visual
centuries. But how many people have heard
learning in the classroom.
of British designer Sir Jonathan Ive? He was Chief Design Officer of Apple and he
This is not a new concept – think of the
designed the iPhone, iPad and MacBook.
Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci,
Without his design genius, Apple would
who was a master not only of art but also
essentially be an engineering company.
scientific invention. Or more recently, the
Creativity is the magic ingredient that turned
Industrial Revolution in Great Britain when
Apple into the multi-billion dollar business
art, science and engineering were close and
that it is today. Giants like Tesler, Apple and
successful companions.
Google frequently recruit individuals who
CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION Creativity and imagination can set you apart in a world where technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are taking over many roles. Indeed, few jobs in the creative industries are at risk of automation. The iterative process involved in studying creative subjects leads pupils to constantly question their work and want to improve or add and try new approaches; a valuable skill in the workplace – and in life.
have a creative rather than technical
A report published in 2019 by the Durham
The Design Council argues that good design
background. They are hired for their design
Commission on Creativity and Education
capability can boost the UK’s competitiveness
talent, innovation and problem-solving skills.
agreed that creativity is the driver of
