Developing Creative Thinking Through an Integrated Arts Programme for Talented Children

Abstract

The Schmerenbeck Multi-Racial Educational Centre provides extra-mural enrichment to challenge gifted and talented children. In terms of a broader concept of identification, the Centre differentiated a Creative Arts Programme for talented children which has been in operation since 1983. This aims to extend children beyond their technical competence to develop creative excellence; to encourage psychological growth in developing perceptual, cultural, social and self-awareness; to develop aesthetic judgement, critical thinking and self-evaluation; and to develop metacognitive processes. The design of the programme includes workshops in several art disciplines (fine art, dance, music, drama, writing, etc.); Integrative Courses (Communication, Study, Thinking, Research Skills); and Integrated Art (Creativity) workshops. This paper discusses the nature and development of creative thinking in relation to expression and communication in the arts based on the results of an evaluation study of an Integrated Arts Programme. In the Integrated Arts Workshops, professional artists and teachers are brought into contact with groups of talented children to give exposure, encourage participation and develop understanding of the nature of creative thinking as expressed through different art forms. Herein, a concept or idea, initiated by the children, is explored through sensory stimulation (developing perceptual skills); through creative problem-solving (developing cognitive processes); and through reflection (developing affective processes).