Three Keys to Creative Education

 
 

Wilderness School - Leah Grant

 

Written by Leah Grant,, Artist and Educator, SA

Photo by Jack Turner

Let’s reimagine what creativity can look like in our schools. Why do we spend 90% of class time typing on devices and writing on paper? What if we wrote poetry on school walls with spray paint, explored science through ceramic glazes, or calculated math through clay shrinkage rates in pottery?

I believe schools need more art, more collaboration, more project based learning and more colour. Not just for the students’ skill development, confidence, and wellbeing, but to inspire teachers, too. When creativity flows, ideas and innovation flourish.

The Power of Creative Mediums: Clay & Aerosol

Clay and aerosol are two of the most engaging and tactile mediums. They invite play, experimentation, and problem solving. These mediums aren't just about art, they’re about process and developing resilience.

In this blog, we’ll explore three key ways to build a thriving, creative learning environment:

  1. Look for creativity

  2. Recognise it when it happens

  3. Celebrate it fully

Wilderness School - Leah Grant Workshop

1. Look: Creativity Is Everywhere

Start by looking. Really looking. Creativity isn’t limited to art class. It’s in gardening, cooking, conversation, and coding. Our role is to help students spot it in themselves and in each other.

Too often, we label people as “creative” or “not creative.” But creativity is human. I was lucky to be encouraged early because I liked painting. That reinforcement helped me believe I was creative and that belief shaped my path.

Imagine if every student believed that too. Would they take more risks? Try new things? Ask “What if I…?”

2. Recognise: Say It Out Loud

When you see creativity, recognise it. Speak it aloud. Whether it’s a student improvising in drama or a colleague designing a new learning experience, tell them.

Make recognition a cultural habit. What if at every staff meeting, you started with: “What creative things have you seen this week?” This small shift builds a school culture that values creativity and believes it’s possible.

3. Celebrate: Go Beyond the Pinboard

Celebration is crucial, but it’s not always easy. Art is subjective. Awards can exclude. So how do we honour creativity without shutting others down?

Be creative. Problem solve this challenge with your students and staff. Art shows can be powerful but they also require time, energy, and resources.

Photo by Stephen Ludwig

If we truly value creative expression, we must support the staff making it happen. Including release time, sufficient funding, venue hire and community involvement. We can’t expect one teacher to organise a showcase for 600 students and still teach full-time.

Ideas for building more creativity in your school:

  • Rotating exhibitions

  • Artist in residence program

  • Online galleries

  • Staff creative wellbeing days

  • Gallery excursion

  • Art prizes and exhibition opportunities. For example the Who’s Who Portrait Prize at Geelong Art Gallery, SACE Art Show, Top Arts, ARTEXPRESS, Local youth exhibitions at your gallery and libraries.

  • Transparency in budget allocation and excursion opportunities

Ask your leadership: Who gets the biggest slice of the budget? What does that say about our school’s values?

Creative wellbeing isn’t about the final outcome, it’s about developing a space for risk taking and problem solving to thrive.

Let’s build a culture of trust for our art educators, allow risk taking, applaud mistake making and insist on time to play with mediums and accept that failure is part or the process.

Leah Grant - Art Teacher PD - Urban Safari

Let’s Create Something Together

If you’d like to bring more creativity, colour, and collaboration into your school, I’d love to be part of that journey. I’ll be speaking on this topic at the National Education Summit in Brisbane on July 31st 2025.

You can book me, Leah Grant, as an Artist in Residence to work directly with your students and staff. This through workshops with aerosol or clay, installation of a mural, or a professional development day focused on risk taking with your staff.

Let’s make creativity a valued part of your school culture. Learn more at leahgrant.com.au

 
Darshana Amarsi