The SPIRIT Framework is built around ten transversal skills that we believe can help today’s children prepare for tomorrow’s world. Rather than exploring them all at once, this series takes a moment to reflect on each one individually. Together, these ten skills form the heart of the framework: emotional awareness, regulation and communication; creativity; problem-solving; critical thinking; resilience; flexibility; curiosity, sense of wonder and openness; empathy; valuing people and nature; and connectedness. This time, our focus turns to creativity—a skill that is often associated with art, but in reality reaches far beyond it.

Creativity is not simply the ability to draw, paint or invent something entirely new. At its heart, it is the ability to look at familiar things from a different perspective, to ask “What if?”, and to imagine possibilities where others might only see obstacles. The SPIRIT Framework describes creativity as the capacity to reinterpret, combine and expand upon what we already know to generate ideas that are both original and meaningful. It is the spark behind innovation, but it is equally present in the child who finds an unexpected solution to a problem, tells a story in their own unique way or works with classmates to overcome a challenge. In a world shaped by constant technological, social and environmental change, creativity becomes much more than an artistic talent—it becomes a way of adapting, learning and contributing with confidence.

The framework also reminds us that creativity develops over time. Younger children often express it through imaginative play, where reality and fantasy blend effortlessly, while older children gradually learn to build on their ideas, collaborate with others and explain the thinking behind their creations. As they grow, creativity becomes less about finding the “right” answer and more about exploring different possibilities, learning from mistakes and refining ideas through experience. This is why creativity flourishes in classrooms where children feel safe to ask questions, experiment, take risks and sometimes fail before trying again. It is not a gift reserved for a talented few; it is a way of thinking that can be nurtured in every child.

Perhaps one of the most encouraging messages within the SPIRIT Framework is that creativity does not stand alone. It grows alongside curiosity, resilience, critical thinking and collaboration. New ideas rarely emerge in isolation. They are shaped through exploration, conversation, feedback and persistence. By creating learning environments where children are encouraged to wonder, imagine and experiment, we are doing far more than preparing future artists or inventors. We are helping young people develop the confidence to face unfamiliar situations with openness, flexibility and hope—qualities that will remain valuable long after they leave the classroom.