Sevenoaks School ...Creativity in the curriculum


THE OPPORTUNITIES AT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS


International and private schools have the advantage of


financial support to be able to invest in facilities but with so many competing needs, they have to value the creative curriculum if they are to invest in it.


Students at Nord Anglia Schools such as The British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park, benefit from an arts curriculum developed in collaboration with the world- renowned Juilliard School. Students participate in activities developed by Juilliard, teachers have access to the Juilliard Creative Classroom and Juilliard performers provide workshops, masterclasses and performances in the schools. “Through an over focus – or obsession – with league tables, school curriculums have narrowed, limiting children’s education,” explains principal, Ed Pearce. “We believe that education should do more than this, and instead focus on educating the whole child. “Why begin with the performing arts when we know how


much weight is placed on conventional academic performance? Because we believe that the performing arts can act as a key, unlocking many of those skills that inspire children to engage with all their studies and love learning. Skills, which can therefore support academic success.” Ian Robertson, head of Art at King’s College Madrid, agrees, “Art, music and drama are a vital and enriching part of any child’s education. They allow a child to develop alternative approaches and strategies to problem solving and thinking. Even if children do not follow on to a creative career, they take with them the ability and skills to think differently and numerous studies have shown that employers value individuals with fresh viewpoints who can find alternative means to solutions.” In 2015 ACS Cobham opened a multi-million pound Performing Arts Centre which includes a 500+ seat auditorium, classrooms, music studios and practice rooms. It is one of the only schools in the UK to have a professional fly tower to move large scenery during performances. Mark London, head


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of marketing at ACS International Schools explains why they channelled investment into their arts curriculum, “The facilities enable students of all interests to explore a passion within the arts; whether that be performing on stage, producing music or artwork, or getting involved in the technological side of performance art such as light and sound design. “A lack of art education in schools poses a threat to students’ ability to create, innovate and collaborate. Creative subjects are often self-led, with students taking the lead in their own innovative ideas. This encourages independent thought, something that universities have repeatedly expressed is lacking in many students. Nurturing creative talent is therefore a core aspect to the curriculum at ACS to help students develop skills that can be used across subject boundaries and into the future.”


NURTURING A CHILD WITH CREATIVE TALENT


And so what should relocating families look for in a school if they have a child who is particularly gifted in the performing arts or has a special interest in it? “You have to look at the curriculum,” says The BRIT


School’s Ms Mehta. “What are the option choices available to students? Is there an emphasis on creative subjects within the school and do they offer peripatetic lessons? “Facilities are important but I would say that the school has to have the will to support it in the beginning – that’s where the drive should come from. Children may be able to develop their talents if the school’s extra-curricular opportunities within the arts are particularly good, even if the facilities within the school aren’t exceptional.”


Whilst many schools around the world recognise the importance of creative subjects and are ensuring their prominence in the curriculum, other schools struggling with the weight of performance measures are side-lining them for league tables. Whilst every child is different, the huge benefits of studying creative subjects should mean that all schools ensure every student has access to an inspiring creative curriculum.


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