Creative arts a significant part of educational system

The Arts are critical not only for showcasing students’ creativity, but also for fostering their ability to think both practically and abstractly.

Acting Minister of Education, Technological and Vocational Training, Lucille Moe suggested the above recently. She was at the time delivering remarks during an awards ceremony held at Almond Bay in Hastings, Christ Church, in appreciation of the student artists and teachers who comprised the mural team responsible for the construction of the “Living Art Wall”, at the Education Ministry.

Minister Moe pointed out that whilst STEM, which places great emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics continues to be very relevant in educational systems worldwide, more and more research is confirming that STEM must become STEAM, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics, since the Arts are a critical part in education and it has been recognised that through Art, students can become better learners.

“The Arts enable our students to problem-solve, communicate and collaborate; all 21st Century skills which we want to encourage and facilitate in our system of education, at all levels,” she added.

The Minister meanwhile noted that the Ministry is continually leveraging the Arts to use them literally and figuratively to transform the face of our local educational system.

“Our commitment has even extend to the approval of the discipline of Art Therapy, as one of the areas in which Barbadians can receive the prestigious National Development Scholarship,” Minister Moe stated.

The Education Minister stressed that skilled-based subjects like the Arts are therefore critical to the local curriculum, since they serve to help students apply action or skill to knowledge.

“We don’t just want to produce artists with head knowledge, but artists who can use what they know, to produce and lead and innovate change,” she added.