Creativity in the curriculum

A light bulb with brightly coloured paint splashed on

Source: Ollyy/Shutterstock

Researchers from Durham University investigate what teachers understand by creativity and how they nurture 'creative thought' among their students in science lessons

The National Curriculum criteria for science state that 'teachers should provide experiences that foster critical and creative thought'. But what do teachers understand by creativity and how do they nurture this in their classrooms? To gain an insight into this researchers Doug and Lynn Newton from Durham University surveyed 16 student teachers in the final stages of their primary teacher training programme.

The student teachers completed a questionnaire before the researchers interviewed them on their perceptions of what children did that was creative in science lessons. Based on the questionnaire feedback none of the trainees believed that science was uncreative but they thought that other subjects such as music, art and drama were more creative. The less creative subjects were seen as those where facts and subject knowledge had to be acquired before creativity was possible. The student teachers also found it difficult to think of examples of creativity in science lessons.  

Thanks for using Education in Chemistry. You can view one Education in Chemistry article per month as a visitor. 

A photograph of a teacher standing in a white lab coat, speaking with a class of children in a laboratory, is superimposed on a colourful background. Text reads "Teach Chemistry means support for classroom and staff room".

Register for Teach Chemistry for free, unlimited access

Registration is open to all teachers and technicians at secondary schools, colleges and teacher training institutions in the UK and Ireland.

Get all this, plus much more:

  • unlimited access to resources, core practical videos and Education in Chemistry articles
  • teacher well-being toolkit, personal development resources and online assessments
  • applications for funding to support your lessons

Already a Teach Chemistry member? Sign in now.

Not eligible for Teach Chemistry? Sign up for a personal account instead, or you can also access all our resources with Royal Society of Chemistry membership.