Art
Staff
Mrs J. Cleves
Mrs. B. Bunney
Ms. S. Martin
Why do we teach art at MACS?
Are the lessons useful only for the super-talented few who might become famous painters or sculptors?
NO!
Are the lessons only there to introduce you to a hobby that you might find relaxing?
NO!
Our society needs people who are able to solve problems, can make independent decisions based on sound critical judgements, people who are flexible and adaptable; in short, people who have been trained in the skills required to make art.
Making a piece of artwork requires care and attention. Art pupils have to make many decisions and must take responsibility for their choices. They learn the skills to tackle a range of problems, whether it is making an informed choice of colour, materials or subject matter, solving a technical problem or addressing a conceptual issue.
These pupils also require analytical skills in order to dissect and interpret works of art and develop the ability to debate the merits (or otherwise) of this work. They recognize that artworks are open to different interpretations and that different opinions can be equally valid and true. Thereby the pupils develop the understanding that there are no right and wrong answers and that there is usually more than one solution to a problem.
Once acquired, these skills can be applied to any subject and any situation, both in school and in adult life.
We believe that the art curriculum at MACS develops the pupils’ inquisitiveness and strengthens their sense of identity and cultural awareness. We ask them to learn a universal language that knows no national or international borders, which deals with political, social and moral issues and which expands their creativity and imagination.
On a personal level, studying art heightens pupils’ awareness of their environment and perception of themselves. They are encouraged to express themselves in an individual and independent way and confidence in their own value is increased. Physical acuity is also enhanced by the practical exercise of creating artwork.
We teach art at MACS because it prepares young minds for the difficult task of decision-making and its true outcome is to prepare pupils with the flexibility of mind and ability to approach real life situations from different perspectives and points of view.
