Arts in Primary Education: Breathing life, colour and culture into the curriculum

The Arts in Primary Education is a well-reasoned argument for why the arts should be at the heart of primary education. It offers practical ways to integrate the arts across the curriculum, using resources already present in schools, and highlights the benefits of integrating the arts for learning and attainment in all subject areas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 22 August 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the age of cuts, a well-argued case is made for why the arts must have a central place in primary education. Studying the arts, encompassing visual arts, music, dance, drama, and literature, offers numerous benefits across the primary curriculum. A truly creative curriculum has the potential to inspire and invigorate students, fostering their creative and critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, language skills, and fine motor skills. However, determining the most effective way to invest in and enhance arts education within a school is a complex task. To address this, Ghislaine Kenyon, drawing on interviews with successful school leaders, case studies, and her extensive experience working in the education departments of prestigious institutions such as the Courtauld Gallery, the National Gallery, and Somerset House, presents practical and cost-effective strategies for integrating the arts across the primary curriculum. The Arts in Primary Education showcases how resources already available in schools, such as picture books or the natural environment, can be leveraged to cultivate a creative culture. The book also emphasizes long-term initiatives, such as partnerships with art institutions and the professional development of teachers, to fully reap the benefits of integrating the arts into the school curriculum. Supported by research and evidence, the guide provides clear and accessible explanations of the advantages of integrating the arts across different subject areas. It is filled with images and descriptions of artworks, making it an invaluable resource for developing a comprehensive and holistic arts curriculum that enhances learning and promotes attainment across the board.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 215 x 144 x 9 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472961051