Expressive Arts
Developing successful learners
From the earliest years, children and young people’s experiences in the expressive arts can help them to express themselves, think innovatively, meet challenges positively and find imaginative solutions to problems. They can develop knowledge and skills related to the different arts, and strengthen broader skills such as the use of technologies. Successes in the arts can also fuel achievements in other areas of learning.
Developing confident individuals
The expressive arts encourage children and young people to become more self-aware and confident as they draw on their own ideas, experiences and feelings and express these through, for example, improvisation, movement, sound, line and shape. They can derive personal satisfaction and happiness from experiencing the different expressive arts and taking part in them. Successful participation encourages them to develop self-discipline, determination and commitment. For some, the expressive arts provide important opportunities to excel.
Developing responsible citizens
The expressive arts can enable young people to explore difficult ethical questions and, by providing ways of expressing responses to personal and social issues, help children and young people to question and develop stances and views. Children and young people can explore the importance of culture, the arts and heritage in Scotland and other societies, and gain understanding of the cultural values and achievements of different societies. In this way they can deepen their insights and experiences of cultural identities and come to recognise the importance of the arts to the identity of nations.
Developing effective contributors
The expressive arts offer powerful opportunities for children and young people to develop their creativity, work co-operatively and communicate with others, and show initiative, dependability, leadership and enterprise. For all ages, participation in the arts - individually, in groups or communities - can greatly enhance the quality of life in families, the school and the community. Some will contribute to the prosperity and cultural life of the nation through careers in the expressive arts.