WHY TEACH CREATIVE ARTS - A FOCUS ON DANCE AND DRAMA

At St Joseph’s we offer a variety of ways for our students to be involved in Creative Arts.  Students learn about culture and community through the study of creative arts. Teaching practice in creative arts is explicit and purposeful. Experiences are sequential and meaningful to develop students’ skills, knowledge and understanding. It is a process of refining ideas and their artworks which develops resilience and persistence. Creative Arts therefore develops the whole child through its unique content and experiences.  Each art form has its own unique skills, concepts and a capacity to inspire and enrich lives. Students discover a variety of art forms through a study of dance, drama, music and visual arts where they learn to appreciate, make and perform.

Currently all our students are engaged in performing arts through Dance and Drama, in preparation for our upcoming ‘Once Upon a Time’ performance at The Glasshouse.  The performing arts provides our students with the opportunity to engage the mind, the body and emotions into a collaborative expression. They discover their own voice, grow in confidence and develop fundamental movement skills.  This opportunity allows our students to work collaboratively, creatively, develop their communication and critical reflection skills.

These 4 C’s are core skills for our contemporary learners to develop.

1. Critical Reflection

Students gain valuable life skills by learning the importance of feedback, both positive and constructive. The arts also provide a place of solitude, where students can immerse themselves without interference from their environment. This also provides a space for students to engage in self-reflection – a vital skill for life after school.

2. Collaboration

Performing arts is an opportunity that encourages teamwork, whether that is in writing, creating or during the act of performing. Students have the opportunity to engage in creative collaboration, a skill they have limited chance to develop outside of a rehearsal space.

3. Creativity

Through creative expression, students learn to understand the world in a unique way, preparing them to navigate the challenges after school. There is also great cross-over between performing arts and other key learning areas – the creative thinking learned during rehearsal can be transferred to all areas of learning

4. Communication

Communication skills can be enhanced through performing arts, as students learn to use verbal and non-verbal techniques in new ways to deliver their message. Some students also find new levels of confidence through performing arts.

We are looking forward to showcasing the students endeavours in Week 9.