Influences + Teaching + The Arts

Thinking back to my schooling and relationship with the arts, I recall the ‘Arts Councils’ that attended the school, extra-curricular activities such as musicals (a rare treat in a rural school) and community performances that had the most impact rather than specific curriculum. I absolutely loved being involved with a small number of school musicals/performances however these only occurred with specific teachers that came to the school and I clearly remember being quite devastated when a new music teacher arrived to inform us that she would in no way be creating any musicals or performances at the school!

I agree that there is a massive hidden curriculum regarding the unimportance of ‘The Arts’ and the belief of being a bludge subject. It disappoints me that although encouraged to differentiate for students the area of The Arts is still seen to be of less importance yet could be something that changes some children’s view on school. I feel, especially in rural, smaller schools, not only arts teachers but also resources and support are lacking. This impacts my own practice as it motivates me to want to create more opportunities for students and cater for their needs and talents.

#influences #teaching #TheArts #hiddencurriculum #opportunities