A recent report by the Centre for Young Lives and the Child of the North initiative emphasizes the need for primary schools to integrate creative and expressive arts, such as music, drama, painting, and acting, thoroughly into their curricula. The organizations behind the report strongly advocate that schools should become places where young people can express themselves freely, delve into diverse identities, and develop essential critical thinking skills, rather than focusing solely on literacy and numeracy.
The report specifically recommends that the Government makes creativity and the expressive arts central to primary education. It calls for a substantial £150 million “arts premium fund” to support existing primary school educators and train new teachers, helping them deliver quality arts learning opportunities. Additionally, it suggests offering every primary school child who wants to develop musical or singing skills free lessons for at least three years.
Baroness Anne Longfield, former children’s commissioner and executive chair of the Centre for Young Lives, vocalized concerns that careers in the arts often become exclusive pursuits for privileged individuals. She emphasized the importance of democratizing creativity and the arts, insisting they should be universally accessible and fundamental aspects of children’s education beginning from primary school.
The report also advises embedding creativity into various school subjects, including history and science, and recommends that Ofsted acknowledges the role of creative arts in its inspections. Longfield further remarked that many prominent musicians and artists come from privileged educational backgrounds; hence, greater investment and educational inclusivity could enhance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds in state schools. This approach could help address persistent challenges like attendance and the attainment gap.
Camilla Kingdon, former president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the UK has a wealth of untapped talent. She urged the creation of an educational environment where every child could discover and cultivate their artistic, musical, or dramatic potential without reliance on their parents' personal time or resources.
In response, a spokesperson from the Department for Education reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring arts education becomes inclusive and accessible. They cited ongoing investments, including a £79 million music hubs programme, around £25 million dedicated to instruments and equipment, and a pilot for music opportunities, along with an ongoing curriculum review to ensure students have access to a balanced and comprehensive education.
6 Comments
G P Floyd Jr
This is a blatant attack on our traditional way of life. They want to destroy everything that makes us American.
Rolihlahla
This is just another attempt to push the woke agenda on our children. Schools should be teaching them facts, not teaching them to "freely express themselves".
G P Floyd Jr
This is a great way to help children learn about different cultures and perspectives.
Martin L King
This is a ridiculous waste of money. We need to focus on the basics like reading, writing, and math, not "creative expression".
Coccinella
This is just going to lead to more kids dropping out of school to pursue careers in the arts. We need more doctors and engineers, not more artists.
Sammmm
This is a great way to help children learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion.