My favorite play of the year would probably be Somebody Jones’s How I Learned to Swim, although James Macdonald’s revival of Waiting for Godot and The Comeuppance by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins were also impressive. But the best show is yet to come – a school performance that I am eagerly looking forward to. As the festive show season approaches in schools, students will be busy preparing antlers, crafting headwear, and memorizing scripts. This time of year is bittersweet for me as it marks my youngest daughter’s final year at primary school, where I have enjoyed attending numerous shows as a proud parent.
School performances are a unique experience where the audience, composed of emotionally invested parents and multi-generational family members, eagerly watches the students take the stage. The energy and excitement are palpable, with students giving their all for their big moment. The hard work that goes into these performances, especially by teachers who are already overburdened, is truly admirable.
Even amidst the pressure of national curriculum tests in year six, known as Sats, the festive shows offer a sense of belonging and pride for the students. Education secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized the importance of students feeling like they belong in school, and these performances play a crucial role in fostering that sense of community and confidence among students.
The impact of the pandemic on arts education in schools has been significant, with a decline in arts GCSE entries and funding cuts to essential programs like the National Theatre’s Primary Schools Touring theatre program. The absence of creative and performing arts education in state schools has led to theatres stepping in to fill the gap, but the lack of direct funding poses a threat to their education initiatives.
Despite these challenges, many theatres remain committed to providing educational opportunities for students, including touring shows to school halls. The recent funding cuts to programs like the National Theatre’s Primary Schools Touring theatre program are concerning, as they risk depriving young students of transformative experiences that could inspire future artists.
As we reflect on the importance of arts education in schools, it becomes clear that initiatives like school performances play a vital role in nurturing creativity, communication skills, and emotional well-being among students. By expanding school theatre programs beyond just festive performances, we can ensure that all students have access to the transformative power of the arts in their educational journey.
