The PISA examination, which stands for the Programme for International Student Assessment, is an international study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It evaluates how 15-year-old students across different countries are performing in school.
Importantly, PISA results are more than just rankings. They provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and researchers. In many ways, they act as gold nuggets of guidance. They show what is working well in education systems — and where improvements are needed. As a result, countries can refine their strategies to better support students.
Alongside the 2021 PISA studies, The B!G Idea was already embedding creative thinking workshops into its programme framework. Consequently, this demonstrates that we have been working at the forefront of educational innovation — recognising early on the crucial role of creative thinking in student development.
In fact, many aspects of The B!G Idea closely align with the PISA 2022 Creative Thinking assessment, which evaluates students’ ability to generate new and original ideas.
Here’s how our programme connects with PISA’s approach:
The B!G Idea focuses on unlocking creative potential in every student. Similarly, PISA 2022 specifically measures students’ ability to think creatively and produce innovative solutions.
Our programme challenges students to address real-life issues such as climate change, mental health, human rights, and social inequality. In the same way, PISA assesses creative thinking across authentic, real-world contexts.
Both the OECD and The B!G Idea share a fundamental belief: creativity is not limited to a select few. Rather, it is a skill that can be nurtured and developed through education.
Moreover, both initiatives recognise that young people need adaptable, future-focused skills. Creative thinking equips students to thrive in a rapidly changing global environment.
The PISA framework highlights the importance of embedding creativity within teaching practices. Likewise, The B!G Idea gives students structured opportunities to experiment, explore, and develop ideas in a supportive environment.
Although The B!G Idea was not created specifically to align with PISA findings, it is reassuring to see that our work reflects global research and international best practice. Ultimately, this alignment confirms that creative thinking is not a “nice-to-have” skill. Instead, it is essential for progress, innovation, and resilience.
As Edward de Bono famously said:
“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress.”
At The B!G Idea, we see this truth in action every day. By empowering young people with creative thinking skills, we are helping shape confident, capable changemakers for the future.
