As school budgets come under ever-increasing pressure, and with school inspections placing greater value on ‘core’ subjects as indicators of school success, it’s arts subjects that are often sidelined in the curriculum.

According to the Centre for Mental Health (2015), by the time they leave primary school, one in five children will have experienced mental health problems at least once in their lives. Left untreated, poor mental health in childhood can lead to a lifetime of difficulties.

the evidence for cultural education

Numerous studies have consistently shown the positive impact of arts and cultural education on the mental wellbeing of children and young people.

key research by the Cultural Learning Alliance (2017) found that:

• Participation in structured arts activities can increase cognitive abilities by 17%
• Learning through arts and culture can improve attainment in Maths and English
• Learning through arts and culture develops skills and behaviour that lead children to do better at school
• Students from low-income families who take part in arts activities at school are three times more likely to get a degree
• Young offenders who take part in arts activities are 18% less likely to re-offend
• People who take part in the arts are 38% more likely to report good health

In addition, cultural education can play a key role in bringing school communities together and strengthening parental engagement, which in turn has a large and positive impact on children’s learning (DfE, 2010).

The evidence is clear that creative and cultural activity can enhance pupils’ aspirations, ambitions, discipline and confidence, which leads to a positive impact on future employability, life skills, and health and wellbeing.

how The Mighty Creatives can help

So, how can a school with limited staffing and financial resources provide greater arts and cultural engagement for their students?

Through the Arts Council England’s Artsmark programme, we help schools to provide high-quality arts and cultural education while meeting OFSTED requirements.

There are currently over 400 schools registered for Artsmark in the East Midlands – and with our help, using Artsmark’s flexible framework, educational settings can embed creativity across the whole curriculum and use it to address school improvement priorities.

download our free handy flyer about the benefits of cultural education and get in touch with our Artsmark team today!

Find out how we can help your school celebrate long-term commitment to cultural education with pupils, parents and your local community.

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