1
Why do some schools prioritise academic subjects over creative arts?
I suppose many institutions lean heavily towards traditional STEM subjects because measurable exam results often dictate school league tables and university admissions. There is a widespread belief that mathematics or science degrees lead more directly to lucrative employment. For instance, headteachers frequently allocate greater funding to laboratory equipment rather than drama studios. That said, neglecting the arts can leave students ill-equipped when it comes to lateral thinking, which employers increasingly value.
2
How has technology changed the way young people express themselves creatively?
Digital platforms have undoubtedly diversified how teenagers showcase their imagination. Rather than relying solely on conventional mediums like drawing or physical writing, youth today produce digital music, edit short videos, and share micro-fiction globally in seconds. A teenager in London can effortlessly publish an animated comic strip online. Nonetheless, this immediacy sometimes encourages superficial content, as the pressure for instant feedback can overshadow the patience required for deeper artistic mastery.
3
Do you think creative skills can be taught, or are people simply born with them?
In my view, while innate talent might give someone a head start, genuine creative competence relies heavily on disciplined practice and technique. A person might have a vivid imagination naturally, but without learning narrative structure or colour theory, they struggle to produce compelling work. Creative writing workshops, for example, consistently help average writers refine their craft. Even so, extraordinary genius might still require an underlying spark that formal schooling cannot entirely manufacture.
4
What role should storytelling play in modern society?
Storytelling remains fundamental because it fosters empathy and transmits cultural values across generations. Through narratives, whether in novels or community theatre, people gain insight into perspectives radically different from their own, which builds social cohesion. For instance, historical fiction often helps societies process past collective trauma. However, if stories are used purely for sensationalist media consumption, their capacity to provoke meaningful reflection can easily get diluted.
5
Will traditional writing skills become less important in the future?
It is quite likely that handwriting and formal composition may decline in everyday use due to voice-recognition software and automated text predictors. Most communication is already shorthand and digitally assisted. For example, many professionals rarely write long-form memos by hand anymore. Nevertheless, the ability to articulate complex thoughts clearly through written words will remain vital, as conceptual clarity cannot simply be delegated entirely to automated tools.
Use the shape, not the sentences: a view, a reason, an example, a limit. Examiners mark memorised answers down.