30th Year At The Edinburgh Fringe - (8) The Importance of the Arts In Education

Sixth Form student Jasmine Shankster-East, who has just returned from the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe, where Bablake Theatre performed 'Sherlock', its 30th consecutive production at the festival, has written this article on the importance of the arts in education:

"When referring to the arts, we are focusing on education in the disciplines of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, all  of which have seen a disconcerting decline in popularity and promotion within education nationally. After being involved with Bablake’s 30th year at the Edinburgh Fringe festival this summer, where I acted in 'Sherlock' and enjoyed promoting the great art of drama on the Royal Mile, it’s the perfect time to address this issue.  

At higher policy level nationally, there seems an increasing failure to see beyond promoting the ‘commercially useful’ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects which fuels a disregard in schools towards the fine arts.  In fact, the idea of a higher value for any subject could be seen as unhelpful. Studies in America have found no dichotomy between graduates in STEM fields and the liberal arts, even discovering the former enjoying a higher than average involvement in the visual arts, acting, dance and creative writing. 

A balance in the importance of the arts and STEM subjects is sensible. The  Arts, I believe, are just an integral part in our society as any other, allowing children to be expressive, creative and imaginative. In other fields, which are objective and empirically based, they learn important complementary skills.

Our director and writer for 'Sherlock', current UEA undergraduate Sam Griffiths, proves my theory. Sam defied the norms when taking Mathematics, Physics and Theatre studies for A level; he now studies Computer Science at university, whilst still heavily involved in dance and drama. He strongly advocates the importance of the arts: 

'What is often forgotten about the dramatic arts in schools is the amount of employability and general social skills learnt. The arts are all about communication, teamwork and organization. I feel the sciences and arts should not be annexed in the way they often are, but rather treated as complementary.'  

The contrived idea that the arts are ‘soft subjects’ and may place students at a disadvantage when applying for university or jobs deters children from choosing what they love. This is shown in the rapid decline in pupils choosing to study such fine art subjects, with the Department of Education statistics showing a decrease of around 17k between 2007/8- 2013/4 of students choosing Art and Design for GCSE. There is a similar picture with drama, which has seen a decrease of around 24k within the same time frame.  

In order to be an effective education body, we must value and therefore assimilate creativity and imagination into the curriculum, which is best done through the fine arts subjects. I feel strongly that these subjects allow each pupil freedom of expression, speech and emotion. To act, whether adults wish to admit it or not, is a key part of everyday life in the work place. You must learn to embody a certain character and control over both your emotions and opinions when working with peers and colleagues. Drama, dance and music ensure these skills are acquired. 

Ms Caroline Farmer, Bablake’s departing Director of Drama, best describes the qualities of drama, saying: 'Drama is one of the vestiges in the education system where you are allowed, even encouraged, to take risks and fail. Resilience, independence and accountability - these are the skills young people need in the world of work.'

The Arts re-ignite  a  love of learning in students who are tired of a relentless feeding of facts - they give an opportunity to enhance student creativity that allows all pupils to discover not just their talents, but themselves."

Footnote

Jasmine played Dr Watson in Bablake's production of 'Sherlock' last week at the 2016 Edinburgh Fringe. She is our current Wheatleyan Editor, a senior prefect, member of our debating team, 1st XI hockey goalkeeper and hopes to study Law at university.