Creativity in primary education
Education is the backbone of a nation—the bearer of national progress and development. Primary education is the cornerstone of any country's education system, and it teaches children literacy, numeracy, and critical thinking. This early education is essential for lifelong learning and personal development. The child age is vital, especially when the child is seven or eleven years old. By providing young children with the essential tools necessary for academic success, early education helps reduce disparities in future education and fosters a culture of equality and inclusion. A timely and practical primary education system can equip learners to read, write and understand basic concepts crucial for their future education and daily life. Moreover, early education promotes socialisation among children, instilling values such as cooperation, respect and responsibility, which are essential for children's emotional development. Socialisation is the process by which the human child develops into a desirable full member of society. Socialisation is a life-long and multifaceted process through which the individual becomes a social human being. And the role of the creative primary education system in accelerating this process is undeniable.
On a larger scale, primary education is essential for national development and economic growth. Because these children will one day enter in secondary, higher-secondary or university. I have known since my childhood that "The child's father is sleeping in the heart of all children." Therefore, if the foundation of children's education is sustainable, these young children can make themselves sustainable in future education. However, in that case, every level of the national education system needs to be strengthened. Those involved in the education of children should be skilled and intellectually strong, i.e. the teachers. The most talented and creative teachers are engaged in teaching in the developed world. For quality education, Sweden, Finland, and other developed countries adhere to strict criteria for hiring the best and most creative teachers, especially for primary education. As in Sweden, prospective teachers go through a rigorous selection process. Academic credentials, teaching ability, and passion for teaching are evaluated, and their creativity is scrutinised. The most talented join the teaching profession. Recruitment is followed by extensive training that includes modern teaching techniques, classroom management and continuous professional development. In many European countries, including Sweden, teachers are encouraged to innovate and adapt teaching methods to meet the different needs of learners. Because of this holistic approach to education, classrooms in these countries have a vibrant environment where creativity and critical thinking are easily nurtured.
But if we turn our eyes towards our country, we see a different and unusual picture. Educational institutions face various challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified teachers for primary education. In most cases, the less qualified with no academic ambitions get jobs in the education sector. And so, the recruitment process is riddled with corruption, where positions are often secured through bribery rather than merit. Additionally, many teachers enter the profession with inadequate training, lacking the necessary skills to manage classrooms and teach students effectively. This lack of accountability and performance evaluation is corrupting our entire education system. Most of the teachers are not qualified to teach. Those teachers who do not have any creativity in their thinking, consciousness, and daily academic activities, far from planting the seeds of creativity in children, are creating a weak population. Because of them, the education system today is a sanctuary for miscreants. We are all capable of at least realising that educated people are more capable of positively contributing to society. A state that invests in a robust primary education system often sees many benefits, including improved public health, lower crime rates, and enhanced social stability. Thus, ensuring access to quality primary education is not only a moral state responsibility but also a strategic investment in the future prosperity and well-being of the nation. Today, I will shed some light on the primary education system in the United Kingdom. I will highlight the critical aspects of the UK primary education system and the importance of primary education in enhancing creativity.
The primary education system in the UK is an integral part of the national education infrastructure. Children start school between the ages of four and five and finish primary school when children are eleven. Primary schools in the UK are divided into infant and junior levels. Key Stage (Child Level)-1 for children aged four/five to seven years. At the Junior Level (Key Stage II), the age limit is seven to eleven years. Admission to UK schools starts in September after children's fourth birthday. The academic program runs from September to July. Two tests are held in primary schools. The first of the Standardised Assessment Tests (SATs) is held in Year Two when children are six or seven.
The second test is in year six, i.e. towards the end of the key stage. Primary school has seven-year groups based on age—year R (Reception) to Year Six. Children are admitted to the reception group when they are three. The first level of primary school consists of children aged four to seven. Various types of creative Curricula, including play dust, are arranged at this level. It focuses on introducing concepts such as stories, songs, rhymes, science, and history, from character recognition to teaching numbers. Students are also taught music, art, drama and physical education while children gain an understanding of the world around them through creative play and exploration activities. The second stage of primary education level consists of junior schools for seven-to-eleven-year learners. In this phase, more emphasis is placed on subjects like English, Mathematics and Science and other core subjects like Geography, History and Religious Studies. In primary school, every learner is introduced to the main religions, which gives children an opportunity to learn about major faiths and fosters religious harmony in children. In addition to academic learning within a classroom environment, children often participate in field trips to museums or historical sites to gain a deeper understanding of their subject matter. At age eleven, most children move on to secondary school.
The UK has two distinct curricula: the National Curriculum and the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence. Each Curriculum has its objectives and goals. However, both curricula emphasise providing a comprehensive education that can meet the needs of all students. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, learner follow the National Curriculum, which emphasises core subjects such as English, maths, science, history, geography and religious education. In addition, physical education and design technology are also included. In Scotland, schools must follow the Scottish Curriculum, which focuses on developing skills rather than knowledge. It encourages students to think critically about what they are learning in class and create an awareness of their rights and responsibilities within society. The subjects covered in the Scottish Curriculum are mainly organised around the expressive arts, such as health and wellness, language and literacy, maths and numeracy, science, social studies and technology. Every experience helps to develop every child into a responsible citizen, an influential contributor to society and the state, a self-confident individual, and an ethical consumer. A sound education system is needed to be a true citizen. But in most of the developing or underdeveloped countries of the world, such as Bangladesh or India, where most of the primary schools focus on textbook-based education. Emphasis is placed on teaching children without any practical ideas, which hampers their essential development. In the UK's primary education system, students are encouraged to explore topics in depth while developing critical skills such as problem-solving strategies. It helps foster independent learning that complements students' development of critical thinking and skills necessary for success in and out of academia.
The UK's primary education system is based on several fundamental principles that foster creativity in children. These principles are essential in developing learners' artistic and creative skills and provide children with a rich educational life. First of all, the primary education curriculum in the UK is broad and balanced. Through this, learners can learn about various subjects, which helps develop their creativity and imagination. The Curriculum includes science, mathematics, languages, history, geography, art, music, drama, and physical education. This broad thematic Curriculum expands learners' knowledge base, helps them think from different angles, and develops their imagination. An open and supportive learning environment is created for learners where they can think freely and express new ideas. Learners learning in an open environment can easily explore new ideas and methods. Teachers develop friendly relationships with children and encourage them to ask questions. Such an environment boosts children's confidence and opens up their creative thinking. Also, learning methods are applied according to each learner's individual needs and interests, which helps children learn at their own pace and in their own way. As a result, they can unleash their creative potential. Teachers consider each learner's individual needs and interests and devise appropriate learning strategies for them. It boosts confidence in children and is a catalyst for developing children's creativity.
The UK's primary education system is often praised for its creative Curriculum. The UK education system is very different from other education systems worldwide. Its main reasons are the free exercise of creativity, flexible Curriculum and innovative teaching methods that encourage children's creativity. An educational system that complements the overall physical, social and mental development of a child. Skilled and talented teachers develop project-based learning methods to engage learners and inspire creativity. Children often work on interdisciplinary projects encouraging them to think critically, solve problems, and collaborate with classmates. For example, a project on environmental conservation might integrate science, geography, and art, encouraging children to design posters, build models, and present their findings to the class. Also, these young children should be encouraged to use inquiry-based learning, where students are encouraged to ask questions and explore topics of interest. Teachers work there only as facilitators. The UK's primary education system emphasises arts and culture to foster creativity. Music education is equally varied, encouraging students to play instruments, sing and compose music. Drama and dance are also integral to the Curriculum, allowing learners to express themselves and develop confidence. Cultural education is enriched through partnerships with local museums, galleries and theatres. Schools often organise visits to these cultural institutions, bringing learning to life and exposing learners to a wealth of artistic experiences. These experiences enhance creativity and broaden learners' perspectives and cultural understanding.
The UK primary education system follows various strategies and practical teaching methods to engage children in creativity and provide every child with a rich learning experience. When learners can learn in a supportive and encouraging environment, their creativity and imagination are especially unleashed. Creative children can be successful in various fields of educational life. This kind of education system inculcates aesthetic thinking, increases self-confidence among students, encourages creativity, and helps them succeed in multiple fields of life. Education is not just about acquiring book knowledge; it should encourage students to think creatively and create something new.