Is schooling killing kids’ imagination?

Raising the Bar

Is schooling killing kids’ imagination? by Peter O’Connor

La Zeppa Kitchen and Bar

Raising the Bar Auckland

Raising the Bar Auckland is back on Tuesday 26 August, 2025, with 20 free talks at 10 venues. 

Get your free tickets today and join us for a night of innovation and inspiration!

<h3>Talk Description</h3><p>Most children arrive on their first day of school excited about the possibilities that their new world will bring. However, it often doesn’t take long for their expectations to lead to disappointment. In this talk, Professor Peter O’Connor will explain how recent government changes to how and what children learn in schools will hasten the death of imagination in children’s lives. Peter will argue that this matters because killing the imagination kills hope – and killing hope is the most dangerous thing you can do in any society.</p><p><br></p><h3>Bio</h3><p>Peter O’Connor is a professor of education and co-director of the Centre for Arts and Social Transformation at the University of Auckland. Recognised internationally for his work with children during and after disasters such as earthquakes, flooding and bushfires, Peter uses and researches the potential of the arts to bring joy and wonder back to life in these disaster-affected areas. He was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2023.</p>

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