PERFORMING ARTS
It’s not that performing arts have lost their appeal – far from it. One survey by Ravensbourne University London found that three quarters of 18- to 25-year- olds are drawn to the creative industries as a career. The issue is the lack of a clear pathway to get them there. Is this a picture our local schools and colleges recognise? Well, yes and no. While there’s no doubting the continued decline in students studying music and drama, with fewer A-level entries in both subjects in 2025, this is by no means the only factor. Add to that a decline in arts training programmes and the long shadow that Covid-19 continues to cast, with the loss of 35,000 performing arts jobs since the pandemic, and nobody would blame even the most dedicated creatives for hesitating before embarking on a career in the arts. Factor in the emphasis on subjects with clear career paths to in-demand areas, such as sciences, technology and maths (it’s no surprise that A-levels subjects like further maths and physics are currently the fastest growing), and making the case for preserving performing arts in schools could seem like a challenging proposition. Fortunately, performing arts teachers in our area are positive people who love what they do, backed by schools that are committed to delivering not just the core academic subjects but everything else too, including music and drama. It’s not just a parent-pleasing exercise. While performing arts provide (literally)
a public showcase for talented pupils, participation brings significant benefits to every other aspect of academic life. Quite simply, it equips students with life skills, from confidence to physical and mental stamina, a willingness to explore and experiment, as well as a strong work ethic. Schools recognise this, continuing to invest time and resources to encourage students in developing these talents. That applies not just to future acting stars but whizz kids with backstage know-how too.
“It equips students with life skills, from confidence to physical and mental stamina, a willingness to explore and experiment, plus a strong work ethic”
30 AUTUMN/WINTER 2025
Powered by FlippingBook