Why the arts matter

The arts are not a luxury. They are a necessity.
Sir Ken Robinson

The arts have always occupied a central place in education because they nurture something profoundly human: our ability to express, create and understand others.

Whether through drawing, painting, sculpture, music, dance or drama, children learn to think imaginatively, communicate confidently and appreciate beauty in all its forms. There are also significant mental health benefits in spending time artistically and creatively.

In addition, research from the Education Endowment Foundation suggests that participation in arts education can positively influence motivation, confidence and communication skills. Meanwhile, neuroscientific studies have shown that sustained musical education strengthens memory, attention and executive functioning. Learning dance enhances spatial awareness, coordination and collaboration, while drama develops empathy, language and self-confidence.

We are enormously proud of our outstanding choristers and choral scholars, whose musical excellence reflects not only talent but discipline, commitment and teamwork. Singing regularly develops listening skills, concentration and emotional intelligence alongside exceptional musicianship and all of our choirs and musical groups share this commitment. Similarly, all of our music, drama and art scholars continue to amaze us with their creative output.

We are equally delighted that GCSE Dance now forms part of our curriculum. Dance is both an expressive art form and an intellectually demanding discipline, combining creativity with physical literacy, analysis and performance.

The arts enrich every area of school life. They inspire curiosity, celebrate diversity, deepen cultural understanding and encourage children to see the world from different perspectives.

Education is not simply about preparing children for examinations; it is about preparing them for life. The arts ensure that life is lived with imagination, creativity and JOY and our motto ‘Inservi Deo et LAETARE’ reminds us how vital that joy is.