Abstract
Gunther Kress’s for a curriculum based on textual creation in a global era of instability is particularly appropriate to the present historical moment. Here I argue the need for a notion of creativity as the basis for a national curriculum in English. The kind of creativity envisaged issues out of a systems theory approach which sees creativity not in terms of individual genius, but as part of the context of a discipline. I emphasise in particular Pope’s view of creation as re-creation, with students creating alongside the authors/filmmakers etc whom they read and view – a view of creativity with a respectable history in Australian classrooms. Three key recent paradigms of the subject – rhetoric, a renewed aesthetic and design – are brought together to centre this approach to creativity on the notion of form. I argue that the national curriculum needs to look not only at the necessary in curriculum design, but also at the sufficient, and that a focus on creativity will assist that move.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | English in Australia |
Publication status | Published - 2008 |
Keywords
- English language
- creative ability
- curriculum
- education
- social aspects
- study and teaching