EDUCATION EDITION
Creative and performing arts are central to a child’s wider personal development
Generosity, confidence, courage, openness and risk – these are skills that could take you anywhere.” Younger pupils, too, can benefit hugely from participation in the performing arts, stresses Simon Kirk, director of music at St John’s College School. Learning an instrument develops ‘self-confidence, self-motivation and self-discipline’, he says. Children love the opportunity to be creative. “In group activity during music and drama, children learn to listen and be empathetic,” he explains. “They develop collaborative skills and an understanding of human nature at a very high level. Creative and performing arts are central to a child’s wider personal development. With anxiety in children rising, they can bring solace, comfort and healing. For many children, they provide a means of expression when other forms may be challenging.” For Clare Cassidy, head of drama at Perse Prep, ensuring that children ‘are as well rounded as they can be’ – on top of first-class academics – is hugely important. Experiencing many subjects and activities, including performing arts (as well as, say, sport and art), teaches softer skills that include teamwork and the confidence to speak in public. “As children go through the school, the transformation along the way can be impressive,” Clare explains. “We find that when children come into year 3 – our youngest children – the journey they go on means that, by the time they’re in year 6, children who were nervous and didn’t want to speak in front of people are singing, dancing, performing and able to be silly on stage – not taking themselves too seriously at all – and that journey they have been on is amazing.” Rising stars Getting to that point clearly requires a huge commitment and – given the hours performing arts teachers in our area put into getting lessons, performances and clubs spot on – passion, dedication and time. And it certainly pays off. At The Leys, as well as teaching drama and theatre lessons from years 7 to 9, the packed performing arts schedule includes regular theatre trips, a popular drama club, a programme for drama scholars and an outreach programme. Drama at GCSE is
72 JUNE 2024 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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