Fact or Fiction: I'm Just Not That Creative?

Have you ever wondered if you can sing?

Have you ever wondered if you can draw or act?

So often we allow our minds to tells us the limits of what we can and can't do.

As a music teacher and a parent, I consistently see very young children freely laughing, drawing and dancing. Seeing this unencumbered creative expression constantly forces me to ask the question, 'why is the joy of creativity lost as we grow up?'

One of the values that we pursue as a college is that every student will have access to a full range of educational experiences and have the opportunity to explore creativity across a broad range of subjects. It is an exciting time for St Philip's Christian College Cessnock, with the opening of the Activate Centre providing a great opportunity for students to express their creativity in a professional capacity. In the next 12 months there will be many opportunities for students to be creative, including Piartsa, School of Rock, Winter Serenade, assembly and more!

With so many great resources and opportunities it would be easy to think that every student is thriving in their creative expression. However, the phrase that I often hear from students is, 'I'm just not that creative'.

After considering why this strange phrase is so common in students I have come up with these tips for parents and teachers that can help to reinsure and engage students creatively. Every student is creative and deserves the opportunity to express their talent.

• Ask your child if they think they are creative and challenge them on their answer. Often students find it easier to think negatively of their skills and need to be encouraged.
• Every child is creative in some way. Ask your child what excites them (other than Xbox). Usually the area that provides healthy energy and excitement to a child is their area of strength and creativity. Pursue these types of activities and encourage your child to create instead of consume.
• Find ways to encourage your child to practice their creativity. If they love dancing then create a space for them to dance. If they love music, find ways for them to practice. As skills grow, so does confidence.
• Don't let a small 'failure' or setback stop a child from being creative. There are many examples of successful musicians, actors and artists that were told they were not good enough.
• One of the biggest hindrances to creativity is often a child's peers. Often fear of what others think will stop students from pursuing what they love. Monitor your child's relationships.

Here at St Philip's we aim to see every student thriving in their academic and personal lives. Creativity is something that we wholeheartedly believe every child deserves the chance to pursue throughout their schooling and in their adult lives.

We are excited about the future of our students and the exciting opportunities that are happening here at St Philip's Christian College as we partner with our families, students and the amazing community of Cessnock.

Joel Procter

Music Teacher