The Arts

Engaging with the arts induces emotions, and stimulates the body and our senses in ways that enhance our understanding of others and the world around us. Arts education contributes in important ways to the development of cognitive abilities, confidence, motivation, problem-solving and communication skills. Furthermore, Crossick and Kasznska (2016) point to evidence that engagement in the arts can help to shape reflective individuals and may produce engaged morecitizens. Similarly, Gude (2009) argues that at a basic level, through art, a child develops the capacity for nuanced attention to the world and to their interactions with the material world. In the primary school classroom, arts education experiences in Drama, Music and Visual Art are uniquely placed to promote ethical and sustaining ways of living, and to inspire dialogue with global challenges (eg political instabilities, migration, human rights) and environmental issues (eg sustainability, climate change, ethical travelling) (Juntunen and Partti, 2022). Educators can address and navigate complex local, national and global needs by developing approaches to engaging with knowledge that is authentic, meaningful, innovative, creative and relevant to 21st century learners