As Arts educators, we are always thinking about the skills our students will need to feel successful in their future lives. Multiple studies show that future generations need skills developed in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, creativity and innovation, communication, self-management, social responsibility and digital fluency.

So, why study Arts subjects?

At JPC, when our students are offered a wide range of subjects in both Performing and Creative Arts subjects. Students study a combination of Dance, Drama, Media, Music, Photography or Visual Arts, learning empathy and identification as classroom experiences opens individuals to new dimensions of emotional experiences. All Arts subjects increase a student’s creativity, self-esteem and confidence. Working independently and collaboratively, students learn the skills of listening, negotiating and communicating and, they develop new friendships!

These creative subjects increase our students’ ability to think; creatively, imaginatively and divergently, learning to think ‘outside the box’. From Years 7 to 12, our students interpret and devise performances and create artworks using conceptual thinking, exploring unique genres and techniques developing their problem-solving skills. These are the skills that teach students how to become critical consumers, rather than just passive viewers. Each lesson, Arts students are expected to question and critique their own and others’ processes and products.

The Arts student engagement is not only present in the classroom. Countless students engage in extra-curricular opportunities offered by the enthusiastic and committed Arts teachers. The Music program offers private instrumental and vocal lessons, as well as multiple bands in various styles. In addition, the Tech Crew allows students to develop their skills in backstage stage management for different events. Students are also offered many performance opportunities through Drama lunchtime clubs and the Musical. The musical provides the perfect experience for students, with different creative expressions and talents, to combine their skills and create an amazing finish product where everyone shines. This year’s musical, Cinders, is a great example of this!

Cinders is showing over three nights, Thursday 29^th – Saturday 31^st July. Tickets will be available next week via: https://www.trybooking.com/BSHIZ. We look forward to seeing you at the show!

Mrs Sarah Smith
Leader of Learning and Wellbeing – The Arts and Van Thuan