🎭 Creative Arts Education

Westminster Hall

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In a passionate debate on creative arts education, MPs highlighted the sector’s £125 billion contribution to the UK economy and its vital role in youth development, yet pointed out a drastic decline in arts subjects since the introduction of the English baccalaureate in 2010. Jess Brown-Fuller and others criticized the exclusion of arts from the curriculum, urging the government to reform the English baccalaureate to reintegrate arts education, emphasizing its impact on mental health and creativity. The discussion showcased regional arts initiatives and the need for equal access to creative education across socio-economic backgrounds. The Minister acknowledged the importance of arts, mentioning upcoming reviews and support measures, but stressed the challenges in balancing curriculum time.

Summary

  • Jess Brown-Fuller, MP for Chichester, emphasized the vital role of creative arts in education and the economy, referencing her personal experience and the contribution of over £8 billion annually from the arts sector.

  • The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) was criticized for excluding arts subjects, leading to a significant decline (up to 65% in some cases) in arts education participation since its introduction in 2010.

  • Brown-Fuller highlighted disparities in arts education, noting that private schools maintain strong arts programs, while state schools have seen cuts, exacerbating class inequalities in access to creative industries.

  • The debate featured contributions from other MPs, echoing the need for arts education and citing local initiatives like the Selsey Pavilion and Reading Gaol as examples of potential arts venues.

  • The positive impact of arts on mental health was discussed, with examples such as the Young People’s Shop in Chichester using arts-based group sessions to support mental wellbeing.

  • Several MPs advocated for STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education, recognizing the essential role arts play in innovation and economic growth.

  • The Minister responded, acknowledging the importance of creative education for emotional wellbeing and self-expression, and outlined the government’s review of the curriculum to enhance access to arts subjects.

  • The government plans to ensure music education inclusivity and assist families in supporting their children’s participation in specialized arts programs.

  • Concerns were raised about the decline in arts teachers and GCSE entries in creative subjects, with calls for policy changes to prioritize and sustain arts education in public schools.

  • The discussion concluded with a consensus on the need for a broader, more inclusive curriculum to enable all students to benefit from creative education, regardless of their socioeconomic background.

Divisiveness

The debate on creative arts education shows a high level of consensus and agreement among the participants. All members who spoke, including Jess Brown-Fuller, Matt Rodda, Jayne Kirkham, David Chadwick, Polly Billington, Bambos Charalambous, Simon Opher, Tristan Osborne, Alex Ballinger, and Jim Shannon, emphasized the importance and value of creative arts in education. Both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party voiced strong support for enhancing arts education, criticizing the existing structures like the English Baccalaureate for excluding arts subjects and calling for more inclusive and robust arts programs. Even the shadow Minister, Neil O’Brien, while pointing out logistical challenges and trade-offs, did not fundamentally disagree with the value of arts in education but rather highlighted the practical constraints. The Minister, Janet Daby, responded positively, outlining government initiatives and a commitment to improving access and inclusion in arts education. The absence of strong opposing views and the general alignment on the topic contribute to a low disagreement rating of 1.