Further education can be perceived by some as presenting a binary for students – should they become a Bachelor of Arts or Science? But it doesn’t have to be that way. It is a false dichotomy. Creativity and arts are essential for future skills, so it shouldn’t have to be an ‘either or’ situation.
Science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM) are at the forefront of a progressive education. Within STEAM, “art” enriches the learning experience. It allows for personal expression, empathy and meaning-making. What’s more, it fosters valuable skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and innovation.
Integrating the arts into further-education
Last month, the second edition of our D’reesha Performing Arts Festival opened its doors to a host of visitors – including students of all ages. All facets of the art world were available to be experienced through a showcase of performances in Arabic and English – including storytelling, music, and poetry to visual arts and theatre. Alongside this, was the D’reesha of Invention. Interactive workshops seamlessly integrated the arts along with science, technology, engineering, and maths. Visitors were invited to indulge their curiosity by attending talks, conducting experiments, and getting involved with hands-on learning.
