Our Creative Arts Centre is ‘on its way’!
A growing body of Australian and International research demonstrates the enormous positive impacts that participating in The Arts can have on students’ academic and non-academic success. (NAAE)
A highly respected former Headmaster of one of Sydney’s leading Boys’ Schools is reputed to have advised his colleagues of a bygone era, that …….‘place a violin into the hands of a miscreant lad and he will amaze you with his change of attitude to his learning’.
He was often proven to be right! It is also true that all students will benefit immeasurably from their immersion in the Arts.
Last year you may recall that I shared with you my excitement that we had commenced the journey to developing a new Creative Arts Centre, focusing on the realisation of practical and inspiring learning spaces for Music, Drama and Visual Arts.
We are currently at the stage of engaging two architectural companies to develop concept designs.
The fundraiser and community celebration, planned for Saturday 21 May at the School, promises to be a highly enjoyable event, as well as an important opportunity for us to raise finance towards the Creative Arts Centre. We would love your company!
There’s something quite special about watching a boy tearing down the rugby or football paddock one day, and a few days later immaculately dressed, deep in concentration, with a musical instrument in hand, entertaining an audience. Or the stirring sound of many boys singing with chests puffed out.
Creative Arts is important in boys' education, having broad implications for the development of the whole student.
Students who are active participants with The Arts (makers and doers), were more likely to perform better academically and socially, than those who passively consumed the Arts.
Positive effects of young people involved in arts-rich education programs include achievements in reading, language and mathematics development, increased higher order thinking skills and capacities, increased motivation to learn, and improvements in effective social behaviours and self-esteem.
The Arts teaches students to think for themselves; to connect the why and how; as well as growing their capacity to reflect, analyse and communicate. Children engaged with the Arts have greater life satisfaction, and a deeper cultural understanding and sense of meaning in life.
Creativity is now as important in education as literacy. - Sir Ken Robinson
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
The photos below have been taken during ‘ideas gathering’ tours of secondary school music facilities.
Reference:
NAAE - National Professional Arts and Arts Education Association. Link - Naae/evidence-and-research
