The impact of various creative initiatives on wellbeing: a study of children in English primary schools

Abstract

The following paper builds uon a survey of primary students’ wellbeing in an attempt to assess the impact of various creative initiatives on this aspect of their lives. Three case studies were conducted in schools with some of the highest aggregate wellbeing scores, all three schools having also been engaged in various extended Creative Partnership programmes. Teachers, Creative Practitioners and students were interviewed and observed during both normal lessons and Creative Partnership activities. It is posited that the implementation of creative activities under the framework adopted by Creative Partnership enhances both hedonic and eudaimonic aspects of wellbeing and accords with theories of motivation which stress the value of promoting student competencies and autonomy and creating classroom climates which promote connectedness.

Keywords:

• primary education
• wellbeing
• creativity
• arts

Notes

1. The three flagship programmes consisted of Enquiry Schools, Change Schools and Schools of Creativity. As the names imply, Enquiry Schools sought to investigate a particular curriculum or pedagogical issue, while Change Schools attempted more fundamental transformation of a department or the whole school in these areas. Schools of Creativity were expected to have previously undertaken a process of enquiry or change and to be in a position to mentor other schools as a result.

2. Golden time took place on Friday afternoons when pupils could choose what to do within certain limits (e.g. play games, watch a video).