Creativity

The skill of creativity is fundamental to pupils’ development, in education and beyond.  It’s key to start building from an early age as global societal and technological trends will continue to shape the future workplace as pupils move through education.  These changes are brought about by AI, automation and as the world looks to reduce the impacts of climate change. Core transferable skills such as creativity are becoming increasingly valuable to employers and can transfer across different roles and industries. 

Creativity is about thinking in new ways, coming up with ideas, and using imagination to solve problems. Teaching creativity from a young age is vital in helping young people develop flexible thinking, resilience, and the confidence to express new ideas – all essential skills for future growth.

Through fun and engaging activities, 7 – 11 year old pupils are encouraged to explore different perspectives and express themselves confidently. As they build creative thinking skills, they learn how to adapt, overcome challenges and bring fresh ideas to their learning and everyday experiences. 

Teaching resources:

• Creativity: Lesson plan and presentation slides – for use with a group of pupils in the classroom
• Creativity: Pupil worksheet – a worksheet that encourages pupils to reflect on their creativity skills
• Primary school: Skills tracker – an optional resource to support pupils keep track of the skills they have developed and plan how they can practise them
• Creativity icon: available to download and incorporate in your wider teaching materials to help students recognise other contexts where they are learning and utilising creativity skills. 

Lesson learning outcomes:

By the end of the activity pupils will be able to:

• Explain the skill of creativity
• Understand why creativity can be helpful in the workplace
• Discuss how they can show creativity at school, home or at after school clubs.

Support pupils’ ongoing progression 

This lesson features in the employability skills scheme of learning for 7–11-year-olds. They provide a ready-made sequence of curriculum linked resources to help you build progression in your learners' knowledge over time. Visit the Scheme of learning homepage to support with your planning.