Section 1

RATIONALE

The nature and purpose of the expressive arts


The expressive arts play an important role in the education of all pupils. They encourage the exploration of values, foster imagination and creativity, develop practical and perceptual skills and promote intellectual and aesthetic development. More particularly, they:

  promote distinctive ways of understanding self, developing individual abilities and finding personal satisfaction and enjoyment

The expressive arts enable pupils to shape, make sense of and express personal experience. They promote understanding of the importance of personal fitness and good health, a sense of physical, mental and emotional well-being and opportunities to experience emotion and responsibility. Knowledge of self leads to the recognition and development of specific talents; creative experiences provide opportunities to develop imagination and independence of thought, judgement and action. Pupils can collaborate and compete with one another and encounter successes and setbacks. Acquiring skills and experiencing pleasure lead to commitment and worthwhile use of leisure through childhood and beyond.

emphasise particular ways of communicating with others

Through the use of the skills, techniques and resources of the expressive arts, pupils learn to communicate with others and to interpret and respond to the different ways in which others communicate. This requires the development of presentational and recording skills. Positive attitudes to others are also developed as pupils work together. Awareness of the mass media and their influence on thinking, behaviour and attitudes is heightened.

develop aesthetic awareness

Participation in the expressive arts develops the imagination, makes pupils more sensitive and responsive to the environment, heightens critical awareness and contributes to the development of personal taste. The expressive arts develop a range of aesthetic values.

make an important social and economic contribution to our society

Social and economic development in society depend on individuals who have the capacity to think and act creatively, meet challenge positively, find imaginative solutions to problems and show initiative and enterprise. The personal and social skills developed through this area of the curriculum are valued in contemporary society. Those who wish to pursue a career related to the expressive arts should be encouraged in the knowledge that both society and the economy benefit from those who make such a choice.

develop an awareness of our heritage

The expressive arts provide insight into the human and social condition and make a contribution to social change and development in all cultures. Knowledge and understanding of our own and other societies is deepened through familiarity with and involvement in the expressive arts.



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© The Scottish Office Education Department, June 1992