Latest update from my SIGs

So far, having been in contact with SIGs on Linkedin, I am noticing that we seem to have a common assumption that performing arts in schools are not treated with the same recognition as many other subjects. Having actively searched for GTP providers in and around London for Drama, I have been shocked to discover the subject is being cut! PGCEs are still available, which is great but unfortuantely, this is not a possibility for me.
I would now like to find some evidence to back up what we have noticed and experienced. I'll be blogging what I find!

To all my fellow bloggers

To all my fellow bloggers.... Unfortunately I can't post on other people's blogs at the moment. I have been trying for a number of days but the CAPTCHA isn't working. I've requested help but have not heard back. Thank you to everyone who is commenting on my blog (for some reason I don't have any trouble writing on my own) and I will try to respond as soon as I'm back in action
sarah

Possible award title

Today I have spent a great deal of time thinking about what I would like my award title to be.

My ultimate aim is to teach dance and drama in secondary education. Having worked in secondary schools for four year, I feel that I have a good understanding of the National Curriculum, what is expected of pupils in school, in terms of learning and how to get the best out of pupils.

        I have a National diploma in dance (musical theatre), but want my award title to reflect my experience working in schools too. Therefore, I would like ‘education’ to be mentioned within the title.

        I have spent time looking online at the sort of job I will eventually like to apply for. I noticed that some positions were called ‘teacher of drama’ whilst others were called ‘performing arts teacher’. With this is mind, I looked for the definition of ‘performing arts’ and the following words were mentioned : dance, music, opera, theatre, magic, Spoken word, circus arts and musical theatre. I feel the words ‘performing arts’ cover the disciplines that I am trained in and wish to teach – dance, drama (theatre) and musical theatre.

I played around with various combinations including ‘Theatre education’, ‘dance and drama in education, ‘Theatre arts education’.

However I am currently leaning towards

‘BA (hons) Professional Practice in Performing Arts Education’.

This title incorporates the three disciplines I am trained in (musical theatre, drama and dance) and also includes the educational side to my experience. I also believe this title would enable me to teach in private dance and drama schools if I ever desired to do so.

What do you think?

Questions relating to my line of inquiry

Since the government cuts, almost everyone within the arts industry have noticed the effect. Universitys are withdrawing drama GTPs, schools are dropping drama and dance from the national curriculum, grants are being refused and theatres are being closed.

I believe this is a mistake. I think that by only concentrating on academic subjects, children will lose out considerabley. Here are some of the questions I have relating to this topic that I wish to explore as my line of inquiry.

1. Why are subjects like maths and science considered more important than creative subjects?
2. How will removing creative subjects from the curriculum effect the arts industry?
3. Is it fair to impose academic subjects on pupils who a) want a career in performing arts
                                                                                   b) Are not academic but flurish in creative subjects
5. How do creative subjects improve the learning of academic subjects?

Why don't schools take creative subjects seriously?

Liam Conman mentioned an interesting comment on his blog about how Performing arts and physical education are put under the same umberella in schools. I had no idea this was the case until I started working at my present school in London. I was shocked to discover that the two subjects were remotely considered to be alike. I remember my ballet teacher at stage school explaining to us that if you don't express yourself during dance, then really you're just a gymnast. I think this comment is relevant and is something that is being misunderstood within the education system. Performing is creative. It allows you to express yourself through either song, movement or dialogue. Sport is soley about technique and personal improvement. It is just as important for a performing arts teacher to encourage a student to show their emotion and personality in a performance than the technical aspect. This is not something that is taught in PE classes. In fact, I believe it something that is hardly encouraged at all in schools.
Performing arts includes music and I find it very hard to compare playing a trumpet or learning musical notes to learning to play netball. Schools would never put maths and english in to the same department so why do this with drama or dance? I find it really under-values creative subjects. why is it that the educational system cares so very little for the performing arts? So many people go on to be performers, performing arts teachers, camera operators, props or costume designers, musicians, television, film or radio presenters, managers, directors or producers....I could go on! So why is the training and introduction in to these careers so badly catered for?

SIG - Education

I have found a possible place for us to discuss education related discussions. Lily has also made a Facebook education page.
I thought this could be useful as some of the discussions look really interesting.
Here is the link

http://www.linkedin.com/groups?about=&gid=2172742&report%2Esuccess=GS9KilNGPdTjW6J7rEpOMghnzFYJDptmGi9YmsvrAIwmw5zlQadcmjvOzlrgw4gP9sgVSNU8mKQ2jWTP9sgSSNUr4zZNr3VlsBjUzwKrF4_cMf4I5BkPmTLjP5-7u5p2kMylcTwiVGex7O0PoDFAcj7bP9Wz_F4lne80dJvYdAhPD502vDFPdTiXIlUIwI245iAFlsv7IA-Hu9Omne8Ic2oyIlLJMGFc5jlz12rLqINqilIm5N40luDkdX70u5p2X_GYlyLTdXhHDAzlvejI-aFb5JaO&goback=%2Eanb_2172742_*2_*1_*1_*1_*1_*1

Let me know what you think
Sarah