Last week saw the first IGCSE exams of this summer's series. As always, the first exam was Art. The Year 11 Art students spent two days putting into practice all of their ideas and preparation that they had been working on for the last few weeks.
The exam is only part of their final grade. They also submit a portfolio of work for submission. This year's topic, set by the exam board was 'similarities and differences'. The students are then free to interpret that title as they want. The annual Art show is an opportunity to showcase not only this work but the hard work that goes on in the Art department day in, day out. Every Art student in the Secondary school had work on display in some form or another. There was a real sense of anticipation and pride in the air as students hunted for their work and admired that of other year groups.
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We have just held our Secondary Art exhibition where, in particular, our IGCSE Art & Design students were able to showcase their talents and the hard-work they have put into their Art of the last 18 months. We wish them well when their results come out in August However, in many of the international schools I have worked in many students and their parents fear that if they focus on 'soft' subjects like Art it will damage their chances of getting into a good university or college. I firmly believe nothing could be further from the truth.
'A surge in demand for multimedia artists, animators, and illustrators—especially those who are computer – and technology-savvy—is projected for 2018, due to companies’ demand for advertising in online and digital formats.' Said the US's National Endowment for the Arts. Things are definitely changing and 'creative' and 'art' students are faring better and better in the modern world. While Art continues to be a desirable option for students wishing to pursue ‘traditional’ creative careers, such as Architecture, Interior Design or Painting / Fine Art related professions, the internet has seen an explosion of exciting, new roles emerge. Obviously, if you want to be a doctor, Biology, Chemistry and Maths are the important subjects universities will be looking for. That doesn't mean that studying Art is not going to be of benefit to you. For example, unless otherwise stated, no one subject is looked on more favourably than others for admission to UK universities. So, why study Art? 1. An explosion in demand for digital and multi-media artisits. Many of us are connected to the internet for long periods of time, whether it is looking for information, socialising, playing games, shopping, watching videos or anything else for that matter. The demand for web designers, app designers, software designers, graphic designers, digital illustrators, multimedia artists, video producers, online publishers, animation artists, game designers and many other digital careers is undergoing unprecedented growth. These are all well-paid, creative jobs that require lots of skill to do well. 2. The internet has made it easier to make a living as a fine-artist. It is now possible, via your own website, to make and sell your own Art to an audience located anywhere in the world. I am not saying that this is an easy career path but it certainly exists. This is possible for students still at school if they have the drive, creativity and talent. 3. Those with a wide skill set will have an advantage in the jobs market. As I said above, some jobs and university courses require a clear set of skills or qualifications. Most do not! Showing that you are creative will be an advantage in tomorrow's job market. 4. Art improves performance in other areas. Art enhances fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem solving skills, lateral thinking, complex analysis and critical thinking skills. No matter what career you choose, those who can arrange, present and display material in a way that is aesthetically pleasing have an advantage. 5. Good marks impress! It doesn't really matter what the subject a string of good grades is going to impress more than mediocre ones in other subjects. 6 Art is not all about an exam. Some students do not do well in exams. They just do not show their true potential under that kind of pressure. Art tends to have more of a coursework focus that might well allow those students to achieve very well. Typically, Art is the first exam of a session, and a week or two earlier than others. This also reduces the pressure when the rest of the exams come around. 7. Coursework teaches self-discipline. The need to be organised and making progress a long time before a deadline is not an easy thing. Art helps to teach this. It is near-impossible to rush so a methodical work pace over a length of time is a must: A most useful skill. 8. Art makes people happy! Possibly the most important reason. There is something magical about creating. It does 'feed the soul'. It makes students look at things anew, even boring, mundane things have a beauty if you are looking for it. For many it is a release from stress and a way of relaxing. All of which, on their own, are excellent reasons for taking art. Remember, it is not only doctors and engineers who lead successful and happy lives! |
AuthorThe aim of this is to give you more than just a flavour of what is happening in different aspects of Secondary section life at Charter International School. We will go into more detail about what is going on in different subjects and all those cross curricula events that make the school such a great place to work and learn. Students will have a voice and explain what they have learnt, how they have learnt it and why they think it was useful or fun or interesting. Hopefully, this will give an idea as to what life is like in the school on a day-to-day basis, what we think a good school should aspire to be and the never ending journey to becoming that school. Archives
August 2017
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