03-08-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
How Hong Kong's secondary schools are fostering creativity in students
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements and evolving job markets, fostering creativity in secondary education is essential not only for academic success but also for developing the leaders of tomorrow. For this reason, educators today are advocating for creativity to be seen as a vital tool applicable across multiple disciplines.
'Creativity is a skill, not a talent. Therefore, it can be taught and learned,' explains Shaun Porter, principal (international programme) at Dalton School Hong Kong (DSHK). He explains that a multifaceted approach to creativity is crucial for helping students navigate complex, real-life problems in our ever-changing world.
Others agree that given secondary students are beginning their journey to joining the workforce, it is critical to cultivate creativity among them – starting with having the right mindset.
Creativity is seen as a vital tool in the education process. Photo: Handout
Toby Newton, executive head of school at the International College of Hong Kong (ICHK), explains: 'At ICHK secondary [school], we define creativity as a frame of mind and a willingness of spirit.' This suggests that creativity is inherent in all human endeavours.
Indeed, Teresa Tung, secondary school principal at the Hong Kong Academy (HKA), adds that creativity exists everywhere and should not be siloed.
'Creativity lives in maths, science, everything that we do,' she says, adding that it is essential for young people – particularly those in secondary school – to feel empowered to create and bring new value into the world.
This sentiment is echoed by Shane McKinney, a long-standing science and maths teacher at HKA, who underscores the importance of applying existing skills in novel ways.
