An education in the arts is limited to the economically privileged
A Do we truly understand the purpose of
education? Do we really think that going to school is only about achieving
good exam results? The reason why a rounded education is successful is particularly
the role of the arts. You can teach students to do well in exams without
teaching them in any depth. A good education requires the development of the
whole child, not merely their intellect. Research shows that self-discipline is
a better predictor of success in life than IQ tests – and it has further shown
that good character and resilience
can be taught at schools.
B Wellington College
is not unusual among independent schools. Two thirds of pupils learn a
musical instrument; all take part in singing competitions and are given
opportunities to act and present on stage. All are offered the chance to draw
and paint, are encouraged to write creatively and have the opportunity to
dance. The school is alive with performances, the corridors and walls are a
permanent art gallery, and music is heard everywhere.
C Why should students at independent schools
enjoy such a rich education in the arts, whereas in most state schools – where
it could be the most needed – it is a hit-and-miss
business? Every single child in a state school should have access to the
five forms of the arts to the same degree as pupils at independent schools.
D Let’s start with music. Every pupil should be
taught a classical instrument. And every child should experience the thrill of
playing in a musical ensemble. They will learn about self-discipline, teamwork
and trust. Drama is vital to emotional and intellectual development. Acting
gives young people confidence and augments
their ability to express themselves in public. Visual art is the most universal
language of all and the earlier it is taught, the better. Doing so will give
them the means to enjoy and understand art and architecture – the environment
they live in. Creative writing plays second fiddle to literary appreciation in most schools. Yet learning how
to express ourselves, whether in poetry, prose or drama, provides a crucial
psychological outlet, and an invaluable professional skill. Dance, the
fifth art form, has fared least well in schools, despite its growing popularity
amongst the young.
E These opportunities are a long-term
investment in talent and happiness of the young. They will develop interests
that blossom, giving them skills of self-confidence, presentation and
articulation. These will improve their professional progress, and will enrich
their personal lives immeasurably.
Adjusted to (1)
hit-and-miss
– nazdařbůh činěný
resilience
– odolnost, houževnatost
augment
– zvýšit
fiddle
– housle
1) Read the article and match each of the headings to
a paragraph.
1 State school students necessarily need art
education
2 These skills can enrich
everybody’s life
3 5 types of art in education
4 Wellington
College is based on art education
5 Rounded education is important
2) Read the article and answer the questions.
1 Why is rounded education
successful?
2 What is special about Wellington College?
3 Who mainly needs to be taught art at school?
4 How does art improve future life of students?
5 What skills does it improve?
3) Explain the following words and phrases.
1 purpose of education
2 rounded education
3 independent schools
4 have access to the five forms of the arts
5 invaluable professional skill
4) Answer the following questions.
What
does art mean? Why is arts in
education important? How should it be taught in preschool? Where can children
and youth devote to arts in their free time? Describe the facilities.
Video:
Tips, sources of information:
Source:
(1)
3
Keys to Teaching Kids to Write. U.S. News [online]. 2014 [cit.
2015-09-21]. Available at:
http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/10/27/3-keys-to-teaching-kids-to-write?page=2
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