Why creativity matters: Launching Our First Art Competition

At Forest 1st Tutoring, we are known for our specialist teaching in English and maths, and for helping children prepare successfully for entrance exams. Of course, academic rigour, progress and outcomes are very important.

But creativity matters just as much.

In fact, creativity is not separate from academic success – it underpins it. Sir Ken Robinson, the internationally respected education expert, said:

“Creativity is as important in education as literacy, and we should treat it with the same status.”

Creativity fuels problem solving in maths. It strengthens imagination and voice in writing. It builds resilience, curiosity and confidence – the very qualities children need not just for exams, but for life.

In a world that is changing rapidly – technologically, socially and environmentally – the ability to think originally, adapt, invent and express ideas visually or verbally is fundamental. In fact, the World Economic Forum consistently lists creativity among the top skills required for the future workforce.

Even within entrance examinations, creative thinking plays a significant role. Whether interpreting complex texts, tackling unfamiliar reasoning questions or approaching multi-step mathematical problems, children who think flexibly and imaginatively often thrive.

Creativity is not an optional extra - it’s foundational.

Encouraging children to create

Research consistently shows that engaging in the arts strengthens cognitive development. Professor Ellen Winner, a leading researcher in arts education at Harvard University, states:

“The arts teach children that there are multiple solutions to problems and that questions can have more than one answer.”

This mindset is powerful.

When children create art, they make decisions, take risks, refine ideas and learn patience. They develop pride in producing something uniquely theirs. In a world that can sometimes feel heavily assessed and outcome-driven, giving children space to create without a mark scheme is liberating.

And that freedom often feeds back into academic growth.

Announcing our very first art competition!

This is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to express their imagination and creativity in any artistic style they choose and entries will be judged by the professional sculptor and ceramic artist Anna Bromiley.

Anna works from her Wiltshire studio, sculpting portraits and figures in clay, ciment fondu and bronze, as well as creating thrown forms in porcelain and earthenware. Her work captures moments of narrative inspired by the people she encounters, exploring personality, individuality and human expression. She gained a first-class BA (Hons) in Art and Design and has exhibited in London, Bath and Wiltshire. Her practice reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, individuality and storytelling through form and we’re honoured that she will be judging our competition entries. You can see more about her work on her website:

 https://www.annabromileysculpture.com

Competition Details

The competition is open to all local children (whether or not they currently attend our tutoring sessions).

There are two age categories:

• 6 – 9 years

• 10 – 12 years

  
  

Children are invited to create one original piece of artwork inspired by one of the following themes:

1. If I could invent anything

2. Our amazing planet

3. One thing that matters to me

There will be one winner in each age category. Prizes include high-quality art materials and an age-specific art book carefully chosen to inspire further creativity. A small number of entries may also receive a Highly Commended award at the judge’s discretion.

Entries must be individual pieces of work, with one entry per child. Please ensure the child’s name and age are clearly included with the submission. Artwork should be brought to lessons by no later than Friday 20th March. Winners will be announced during the week before the Easter holidays.

We look forward to sharing some of the winning and highly commended artwork on our social media platforms to celebrate the children’s creativity. If parents or carers would prefer their child’s name not be shared alongside their artwork, please let us know.

Ready to Take Part?

• Dust off your paints and easel (or your iPad and pen!).

• Choose the theme that excites you most. Start simple – one strong image, then add detail.

• Be yourself – judges love artwork that is personal, imaginative and honest.

We are genuinely excited to see how our children bring these themes to life.

Creativity deserves to be celebrated. And we cannot wait to celebrate yours.