For a long time, art education in primary schools hasn’t looked like much more than arts and crafts, scissors and colored construction paper. Any arts instruction was the completion of simple projects, or consisted of nothing more intellectually stimulating than coloring and drawing.
Now, however, primary schools in Singapore are aiming to change that perception, offering a meatier and more challenging artistic experience for its young students.
Operating off of the premise that it is never too early to start learning important concepts, the new curriculum will delve deeper into the art world. Primary school students will now investigate questions about why art is created, including investigating possible reasons behind one of more than thirty paintings that will be a part of the lessons. The paintings are from both international artists as well as local artists, painting a broader picture of what art looks like both in Singapore and around the world.
The new push for better art education in primary school will ensure that students will be more well rounded in their studies. More meaningful study of the art world could even pique the interest for further studies for students who might not have otherwise pursued more information on the art world. Though not every student will become a professional artist in their adult lives, having a background understanding of art benefits people in myriad ways. People in non-artistic careers might find that they have more developed creative problem solving skills than their peers who lack artistic education. Past art students might even find that art is an enjoyable hobby, letting them pass the time in healthy and creative ways. For others, art might be a great emotional outlet, allowing them to express and process their thoughts and feelings on everything from happy happenings to potentially traumatic experiences.
Parents of primary students can expect to see these positive changes in art education immediately, as they have already been implemented this year. One example of enhanced lessons that students will be taking part in is discussion time about the thinking behind the masterpieces, or why the artists created what they did. This kind of discussion develops essential skills of analysis for students that will go on to benefit them beyond their art studies. Other lessons include acting out skits and scenarios based on student interpretations of the works in question, as well as a trip to the museum designed to give students opportunities for hands-on learning that they might not have experienced without the curriculum.
Visit SGArtClass.com today to browse the extensive lists of art classes that are available for enrollment. Teachers in charge of classes on SGArtClass.com have experience with teaching students of all ages and abilities, making art classes a perfect learning opportunity for young students on break from school, or older individuals looking to fill their schedules with enjoyable and enriching experiences.
To read more about the ways that art education is changing in Singapore, go to https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/finding-a-new-meaning-in-art.