Case Studies

About This Case Study:

Amelie's Voice

The term 'pupil voice' refers to ways of listening to the views of pupils and/or involving them in decision-making. A feature of effective leadership is engaging pupils as active participants in their education and in making a positive contribution to their school and local community. (Department for Education - Listening to and involving children and young people)

Pupil or Learner voice can be heard through many different mediums, including youth councils, ambassadors and young parliaments, but also through creative writing and listening to children who can express their feelings through speech, words or performance.

This is one example of a young person speaking out about her education, global education and her need for creativity in learning.

Do schools destroy creativity?

Picasso once said that all children are artists, the problem is to remain an artist as we grow up. I think this sums up the way in which creativity is cherished, or rather not, in our education system, and how it is slowly sucked out of young children as they go through school. To me there is a certain hierarchy of subjects; English and the sciences at the top, then humanities, and then at the bottom of the pile: the arts. This is an order which exists in almost every school, in every city, in every country all across the globe. Do you know how damaging this league of learning can be to young creative minds? Those of us who thrive in an environment where we can move and express ourselves in the form of dance or drama, feel as though our passions and interests aren't as valued as those related to maths or sciences. Those of you who have a great talent for art or music may not be encouraged as much as those who can write detailed essays about the Birling family.

Before the 19th century there was no distinct education system. Teachers could teach, and students could learn without the government sticking their nose in. But then happened the industrial revolution, and subjects which would be useful in the working world were prioritised. And now we have a system which sees creativity as an amenity rather than a necessity.

By Amelie, Age 15