Teacher stresses importance of arts in well-rounded education
THE HEAD of art at a West Yorkshire school has highlighted the importance of the arts in aiding pupils’ personal development and helping them to achieve a well-rounded education.
Josie Barraclough is currently exhibiting her latest collection of work in the spring exhibition at Batley Art Gallery
She has several exhibits in the show, which explores “our sense of place” and reflects Yorkshire’s nature.
As well as regular exhibits in the region, she teaches art to GCSE and A-level students at Bradford Grammar School and is passionate about helping children to reach their full potential.
She said: “We get a real sense of reward from seeing students over a period of time because you see how their art work progresses, how they have participated and how they’ve improved.
“I think participating in the arts is important. It aids in pupils’ personal development and well-being because it gives them a chance to evaluate themselves, their work and to come out of their comfort zone.”
Ms Barraclough’s comments come after it emerged creative arts subjects are being cut back in many secondary schools.
She added: “Art also provides pupils with spontaneity, self-confidence and it builds up their creative skills that carry through to other subjects, both classical and academic.
“But it’s more than that, we really get pupils to reach their full potential, whether that’s through the Hockney Theatre on stage, singing in choir, or playing an instrument in the orchestra, we have a wide variety of facilities that support a well-rounded education.”
Bradford Grammar School headmaster Simon Hinchliffe added that he continued to be impressed by the “extraordinary, creative flair” being shown by students.
He said: “My colleagues are expert at encouraging the very best out of our young people. Josie’s exhibition reflects her passion for Yorkshire, but also our school.”