Wisdom

Creativity

Creativity is a strength that describes the ability to turn original and imaginative ideas into reality. It involves two processes; thinking, then producing.

Why does creativity matter?

Our future will be faced by challenge and constant change. In this context we will need people who can think differently and provide innovative solutions to global problems. In a competitive world, creativity is what fuels innovative ideas, challenges ways of thinking, and opens doors to new opportunities. Creative people have the ability to devise new ways of doing things by solving problems and meeting challenges. Creativity is associated with lateral thinking and the ability to perceive patterns that are not obvious. 

What does creativity look like?

Students with creativity might:

• think differently and consider alternative solutions to problems;
• create original art, film, music or theatrical performances;
• enjoy making an idea turn into reality.

Teachers with creativity might:

• plan novel and original lessons and make learning happen in a fun way. This could be by using visual thinking, using stories or role plays;
• share unique ideas that enable students to challenge assumptions;
• choose novel topics and case studies that make learning enjoyable and emotionally engaging;
• encourage students to create something in response to their learning

If you have ideas but don’t act on them, you are imaginative but not creative.

Curiosity

Curiosity is all about exploring and discovering.

Why does curiosity matter?

Curiosity is about having an open and active mind. Curiosity puts the brain in a state that makes learning more enjoyable. When we are curious we are open to engaging in new experiences and meeting new people.

What does curiosity look like?

Students with curiosity might:

• try a variety of extra-curricular activities and be willing to participate in different opportunities;
• ask questions about topics;
• be interested in other people;
• enjoy exploring and googling information.

Teachers with curiosity might:

• be willing to explore a variety of topics and case studies;
• ask students about what they would like to learn;
• have a broad general knowledge.

"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." 
Albert Einstein

Judgement / Critical Thinking

Thinking things through logically and examining them from all sides.

Why does critical thinking matter?

People who think critically can process information in a deliberate, systematic and logical way. With critical thinking, we analyse and evaluate facts in order to form a clear, rational and evidence based judgement. Critical thinking is an essential skill and is important for research, problem solving and decision making.

Critical thinkers challenge assumptions and biases in order to improve their understanding. 

What does critical thinking look like?

Students with critical thinking might:

• apply relevant and well-focused questions to information and opinions;
• seek clarity, consistency and accuracy;
• be interested in the causes and implications of events, systems and ideas;
• question, critique and challenge ideas in class discussions.

Teachers with critical thinking might:

• teach with clarity, consistency and accuracy;
• use their reasoning skills to analyse and evaluate student work;
• ask questions that require exploration, evaluation or synthesis.

Love of Learning

Enjoying the process of mastering new skills, topics, and bodies of knowledge.

Why does love of learning matter?

When people enjoy learning, they learn for learning’s sake and are able to persevere even when the task proves difficult or they experience failure. With a love of learning, students are lifelong learners and continue to deepen and broaden their knowledge base.

What does love of learning look like?

Students with love of learning might:

• research information and ask questions;
• enjoy learning even if the information is not relevant to an assessment;
• enjoy meeting new people and having conversations that involve learning about new topics.

Teachers with a love of learning might:

• have a broad and deep knowledge base;
• continue to seek knowledge in their subject area by pursuing professional development or study;
• enjoy learning about the science of teaching and learning;
• be engaged when learning new information for their lessons.

Perspective

Valuing diverse perspectives and seeing the bigger picture.

Why does perspective matter?

People who think with perspective have an open mind and appreciate viewpoints other than their own. This enables them to see the big picture and make important connections. With perspective, you’re good at looking at a situation from different angles, and people appreciate your insight and wisdom and will often seek your counsel.

What does perspective look like?

Students with perspective might:

• excel in subjects that value seeing the ‘big picture’- Geography, History or English;
• will listen and value different people’s opinions in a discussion;
• enjoy seeking advice and insight from other people;
• be willing to support and offer advice to their peers.

Teachers with perspective might:

• enjoy teaching about the ‘big picture’ and consider multiple perspectives in their lessons;
• enjoy strategic planning;
• be able to provide advice to others and put things in to perspective so that students and colleagues see the wider view.