Creating Systems - Creativity Matters Report Series

Children need creative skills to thrive. But our education systems don’t always leave room for creativity. How can we change that? We asked the policymakers who are already working on it.

All around the world, policymakers are looking at how to make learning more creative. So we spoke to five of them: from Australia, Japan, Scotland, Thailand, and Wales. In this report, we find out how they reshaped their systems to put creative play at the heart of the school curriculum.

Hear directly from them in this short video, read the key lessons, and download the report in full below.

Why does creativity matter? Read our first report in this series: Creating Creators

Creating Creators

Press play below to hear more about each case study

Ten ways we can build more creative education systems

1. Learning through play
2. Campaigning for creativity
3. Reaching out beyond government
4. Defining creativity
5. Looking internationally
6. Supporting teachers
7. Being clear with the curriculum
8. Focusing on the creativity crisis
9. Getting the whole school involved
10. Thinking creatively about assessment

Dive into the full report

Explore more research

How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

October 2022 Evidence
World Mental Health Day: How play can support children’s mental health
July 2022 Evidence
Good Life at home and at play
June 2022 Opinion
For families to play more, we need better policies
Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.
May 2022 Opinion
8 play ideas for family wellbeing
March 2022 Opinion
Play more, worry less: 3 ways play boosts resilience

Let's play

What Makes Us Special

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Mission Improbable

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Brick Music Sequence

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 4+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Unseen Guesses

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Traffic Lights

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes