CREATIVE OUTLOOK

Spanish parents put creativity at the top of the list, while most Brits prefer the three Rs

ASURVEY has found that literacy and numeracy are the most important targets for British parents, while Spaniards put more value on cre- ative thinking.

The PEW Research Centre asked parents in 19 different countries whether they think schools should focus on resourcefulness or basic academics.

Public opinion in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Canada also showed a clear preference for an education system that emphasised creativity and independent thinking.

The survey of global attitudes, showed big cultural differences towards education - and widening political polarisation.

In Spain, 67% of people wanted schools to prioritise the teaching of creativity, compared with 24% who wanted schools to focus on the academic basics and discipline.

But at the other end of the spectrum was the UK, where researchers found that 51% wanted schools to prioritise