We were delighted to learn that Paul Collard was impressed by the work we are doing in Scotland following his recent conversation with key players in our drive for a more creative Scotland.

Paul, who is Chief Executive of Creativity, Culture and Education visited Stirling on 17 April at the invitation of Forth Valley Creative Learning and the National Creative Learning Network (NCLN) to share findings from his international work on creativity in learning.

Together with Sheila Page, HMI, he provided inspiring input which stimulated constructive conversations about how we can better support the development of creativity in learners across Scotland.

Paul was particularly impressed by our approach to systemic change and the fact that we have a shared vision across national bodies and local authorities.

“I came away very inspired by what is happening in Scotland. I think you are a long way ahead of almost anywhere I am visiting at the moment. I think that the agenda you are addressing is of fundamental importance to the future of young people in Scotland (and hence the future of Scotland)”.

Discussion focussed on how we can best support creativity in schools – specifically how we can develop supportive approaches which will help teachers plan challenging learning environments that develop creativity skills in learners.

Attendees included members of the National Creative Learning Network; partners involved in developing Scotland’s Creative Learning Plan, led by Creative Scotland, and Education Scotland’s Creativity Review team.

The event was organised in partnership with Forth Valley Creative Learning, who held a twilight session led by Paul Collard: ‘How do we capture and measure creativity?’

For more information on the work of Creativity, Culture and Education, visit their website: http://www.creativitycultureeducation.org/