back

Curriculum versus creativity

Two titans of the education world will come head to head at The Education Show 2006 to discuss the most challenging question in education - 'Curriculum or Creativity'.

The Great Education Debate is planned as a major feature at the NEC on March 9, which is the opening day of the national Education Show 2006.

Stating the case for both sides of the argument will be Chris Woodhead, the controversial former Chief Inspector of Schools and Sir Ken Robinson, acclaimed author of The Robinson Report and pioneer on making creativity happen, and they are sure to stimulate a lively discussion.

There will also be contributions from leading figures in the education world and school leaders from primary and secondary can be part of the audience with an opportunity to convey their experiences and expertise by voting on issues arising from the debate.

This week, writer / broadcaster Kim Catcheside, who will chair the debate, said Chris Woodhead and Ken Robinson will prove an exhilarating match, making the great education debate an unmissable event.

“Now we are to have a curriculum for the nought to fives the issues of creativity and the usefulness of a curriculum are more important than ever,’ she said. ‘Will children whose thoughts are channelled and structured from birth ever be able to think outside the box?

‘How can we strike a balance between the need to provide children with basic skills and society's need to produce future generations able to challenge conventions and come up with the ideas it needs to progress?’

It is planned to broadcast The Great Debate to various points across the exhibition hall and visitors will be able to express their opinion interactively throughout the duration of the event.

Demand for places at The Great Debate, which will take place in the adjoining Concourse Suite with a capacity of 700 is sure to be heavy but you can pre-book by visiting the Education Show website at www.education-show.co.uk