AS some students settle into their new environments and others reacquaint themselves with familiar ones, the new academic term brings much excitement and anticipation. For students transitioning from one level of study to another – whether it be playschool to a nursery, nursery to primary, primary to secondary or secondary to tertiary – there is some level of uncertainty as to what one should expect. Given my experience in teaching students at the secondary level, this column will further discuss how art and creativity play an integral role in the lives of tweens as the transition into secondary education.
During the first term of the new academic year, the secondary school system uses what is referred to as continuous assessment to measure children’s understanding of what they are being taught. This is quite different from the customary 40 percent course work – 60 percent end of term assessment test that when combined makes the child’s overall grade. Continuous assessment is where students are given a variety of projects and short quizzes in the varying subject areas that make up their overall end of the term grade. This involves the use of three skills that are integral to a child’s development: knowledge, reasoning and application. The combination of these skills is expressed in the student’s ability to use a creative approach to complete the given tasks. They are asked to take things a step further and create a visual representation of what they have learnt.

This proves that visual art is a multi-disciplinary subject. Yes. Art: human creativity that appeals to our sense of sight. Creativity; that quality that is in everyone. Creativity; that quality that may be displayed through different forms. Creativity; a necessity for everything in life. Knowledge in art helps students to be well-rounded individuals. Understanding the various expressive forms and other aspects of art aids students in creating aesthetically pleasing projects. For instance, the science teacher may ask the students to create a model of a bodily organ. Knowledge in sculpture will help them to have good execution of the task. Shapes and forms are integral in mathematics and students may be asked to create models of a cube, cylinder, sphere, and triangular prism. Agricultural science AND social studies require a lot of drawing. Foreign language tends to require the use of collage technique and other decorative crafts for their project assessments. I could go on. However, there is no doubt that art is in everything.

While these tasks may seem easy as the child progresses, each grade will present a different level of difficulty with its projects. Don’t take your art class for granted because it helps you to attain your dreams, whatever that may be. My advice to parents would be to set aside a budget for school projects, Especially for this term. Check your children’s books for homework and assignments. Last-minute work will not suffice. Most of these projects will take time thus, room is needed for trial and error. Encourage your children to complete their assignment on time and to take pride in their work. In your helping, give guidance and allow the children to do the work, it’s the only way for them to develop their reasoning and application skills.

Arts and crafts supplies for work of this nature are available at Muneshwers Limited, The Family Store, Payless, Austins Book Store, Everything makes Craft, Pinch Creative Expression and other stores nationwide.