ABSTRACT

Creativity in the English Curriculum is essential reading for anyone involved or interested in the teaching of English, offering both a detailed history of how creativity has informed the tradition of teaching English, and how it should be used to position this teaching in the future.

Highlighting the need to promote creativity as a rich, intellectual pursuit, Creativity in the English Curriculum celebrates artistry in English past and present, and argues for its restoration to the curriculum. It emphasises that creativity is at the core of a humane education, not only through stimulating and enhancing the growth of the individual, but also through developing understanding of the importance of community, society and collaboration. Smith presents the historical relationship between curriculum policy and creativity, demonstrating that creativity has and always will be the life blood of teaching and learning.

Including dialogues between expert English teaching practitioners and leading professionals concerning the place of creativity in English, Creativity in the English Curriculum includes practical, research-informed ideas for effective creative practice for any English classroom. It is a must-read for teachers, educators, parents and guardians to prepare all learners for life in and beyond school.

part I|26 pages

The case for creativity

chapter |5 pages

Introduction

‘Nothing without the make-believe of a beginning’ 1

chapter 1|19 pages

What is creativity and why does it matter?

part II|61 pages

Policy documents and official guidance: the English curriculum and creativity in context

chapter 2|19 pages

Rooted in creativity

The development of subject English

chapter 3|15 pages

The flowering of creative English

chapter 4|25 pages

Creativity ‘cabined, cribbed, confined’ 1

English in the National Curriculum

part III|26 pages

Conversations in creativity

chapter |8 pages

Act 1

Why English, and what does creativity have to do with it?

chapter |6 pages

Act 2

Making sense of policy

chapter |8 pages

Act 3

Creating the conditions and imagining the future

part IV|20 pages

Forging connections, creating change