Do we need to elevate elective classes? Why do they matter?
The Arts and tech subjects at intermediate schools where I’ve taught are not electives. Students don’t get to choose. Instead, they all get a taste of drama, music, visual arts, hard materials, etc, for a term or two. It is at high school that those subjects become electives. I know that not all intermediate schools offer these subjects to their students, and they are sorely lacking in most primary schools, where the focus is on core curriculum areas and sports. I believe this is one of the reasons for the failure of our education system.
The arts are a fun and creative process that stimulates the imagination and encourages problem-solving, risk-taking and collaboration while developing practical skills in various media and technologies. Students are given opportunities to develop holistically; social, emotional, mental and academic gains can be observed. For some students, it is only through movement, sound or images that they are able to express their creative ideas. So often, I’ve been told by a classroom teacher that they are surprised by a particular student’s contribution in the drama or music room because that student usually lacks engagement in the classroom.
The arts possess multi-sensory qualities that naturally provoke students’ curiosity and wonder in the world around them. It recognises and values everyone’s contribution and individuality. Every child is able to enjoy success as they discover the treasures in cultural heritage and make connections with their own experiences and broader global issues. Students take joy in the direct hands-on experiences, which often lead to a shared understanding and growth in confidence, knowledge and engagement, which can then be applied and extended in the classroom. Through the arts, students learn to become more empathetic, caring and reflective individuals with an increasing ability to initiate and communicate complex creative thinking.
The arts cater to students’ different learning styles, making learning more meaningful. This is so important on the journey of self-discovery as it fosters intrinsic motivation and stimulates students’ passion for learning.
So, if you’re asking whether the Ministry of Education should make the arts accessible to all students and value the arts, my answer would be a resounding YES! The strength and success of the nation depends on it.
What support is lacking/needed for elective subjects?
There is a major shortage of teachers who specialise in arts and technology. This is probably one reason that fewer schools can offer these subjects as part of their curriculum. At the last school I taught at, space was an issue. The block that was specially built to accommodate performing arts had to be converted to classrooms because of the growth in student numbers.
Then, of course, funding is always a problem. Getting resources and equipment for the arts and technologies costs a ridiculous sum. We always seem to be in competition with the sports department and the rest of the schools’ needs regarding getting funding.
However, one of the biggest challenges is working in an environment that undermines or undervalues the importance of art and technology in our schools.
