I am passionate about creative thinking and I believe it’s essential to provide children with opportunities to explore subjects that aren’t typically covered in the curriculum. As Sir Ken Robinson once said – “Creativity is as important as literacy” – and I couldn’t agree more. So when Tenterden Junior School asked me to design a logo for the School Council, I knew that no one would be better placed to design it than the children themselves. But first, they needed to understand exactly what a logo was, and so I took the opportunity to run a workshop and practice what I preach.
The School Council
The School Council are a group of pupils elected by their peers to represent the student body in the school. Consisting of students from year 1 through to year 6, the school council promotes student involvement and fosters a sense of community and responsibility among students.
In this workshop I engaged the students in the process of designing a logo, firstly delving into the understanding what a logo actually is, and then allowing them to express their own ideas through colour, shape and image. Despite the varying ages of the children, their ideas were fabulous. Their creative thinking astounded me, and the way they engaged with the process of creating an identity that represented themselves was eye-opening.
The final design
With a number of ideas sketched, the final decision was down to the Head of Schools. And it is safe to say, not one single design could be chosen. With a combination of every students’ ideas, the final design represents more than just one idea. Which, in itself, is what the School Council is all about.
So, why does this matter?
Design plays a crucial role in shaping the experiences and environments of children, from the moment they are born to their early years of education and beyond. Good design can have a profound impact on a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development, while poor design can lead to frustration and confusion.
Empowering children through design is incredibly important for their development. By giving them the ability to create and shape their own ideas, we can help build confidence, creativity, and critical thinking. This can also help them develop a sense of ownership and agency over their work, which can have a positive impact on their academic performance as well as their personal lives. I am really proud of the children and their work and it just goes to show – if we all work to empower our children through creative thinking, who knows where this will lead them.