The British School in the Netherlands (BSN) is publishing its new mission this week. It has a clear commitment to providing opportunities, inside and outside the classroom, for each student to develop their creativity, explore their interests and discover their passions.
After all, creativity is a vital component in education. It allows young people to learn to innovate, solve problems and think critically in the learning process. This is one of the key skills that companies are looking for in their employees in the future. Creativity affects every part of how we move forward as a society.
“No wonder I firmly believe in the intrinsic value of art education for the holistic development of youth,” says Graham Rogerson, head of the arts and design department at Voorschoten High School (SSV), BSN.
“However, the last two years of the pandemic have confirmed my convictions as I have witnessed the resilience and resilience of our art students – not to mention the impressive works of art they have created despite the difficulties of the situation,” he says. I believe that the core values and skills inherent in art education help prepare young people to face challenges and be successful in their future endeavors. ”
Positive emotional development
The impact and benefits that creativity can have on mental health are widely recognized. Art provides an outlet for self-expression and the opportunity to do so without words. It can relieve stress and become a way to deal with negative feelings. With the help of art, students form self-esteem and a sense of self. The last two years of the coronavirus pandemic have confirmed the positive effect that art can have in supporting well-being.
It was an extremely difficult time for young people who were separated and isolated for periods that would normally be opportunities for development, academically and socially. Children learn so much from their interactions and social exchanges and connections. During the closing of the school, immersed in their own ideas and concepts, BSN Art students amazed the department with their resilience and ability to overcome the difficulties they faced. The work at home, the initiative and self-confidence they have shown reflects a determination to succeed in all circumstances.
Recently, artwork created by students to highlight their emotions during a pandemic was presented at the Haaglanden Medical Center, Antoniuszow Center (HMC), at an exhibition entitled “Creativity in the Crown”. During the difficult adaptations in the lives of students using creativity, something beautiful was created that could be shared and enjoyed by the wider community of Voorschoten and Leidschendam.
“It was a great honor for me when my art was selected to participate in the hospital exhibition. I want my art to improve someone’s day at the hospital. It’s nice because it’s in the community and I hope people like it just as much as I enjoyed creating it. ” – 13th year BSN art student
Critical thinking
As children grow, it is important that they have the opportunity to look closely and analyze the world around them, observe and begin to shape their views. At BSN, they encourage their art students to inquire and seek information to reinforce and reinforce their opinions and reasoning. Equally important is the recognition that there are different points of view beyond their own, and that it is necessary to be open to them.
By leading open discussions, conversations and questions, the art department helps students look at their ideas, situations, events and problems, and reflect on and justify what they are doing. It is the foundation of critical thinking that art can sustain and nurture.
“As the blocking continued, I found motivation in my work because I wanted to get to the point where I was happy with my work. Especially since art is so subjective that I thought I just needed to keep going and it would give me a sense of accomplishment. The opportunity to do art at the same time relaxed and gave me the opportunity to escape from the difficulty of the situation. – 13th year BSN art student
Independence and independence
The BSN Art curriculum is designed to simulate self-study from 7 to 10 years. From now on, they aim to give students the opportunity to develop independence and gain critical experience of independence and management. When students transition from 11 to 13, they gain more autonomy as well as the skills and knowledge to confidently apply structures to achieve their goals.
So how does the art department provide an experience that encourages self-management?
Projects begin with a clear focus and understanding of the purpose and structure with steps toward it. They engage students in meaningful conversations about what they are doing and listen carefully to what is being said. Instead of giving answers, through discussions with students, they guide and support them to achieve the ultimate goal and help them find their own answers. They allow students to manage their own learning without giving specific solutions, and often remind students: two plus two is not necessarily equal to four; there may be several permutations.
First of all, art students are given space and time. Their teachers don’t interrupt too much. They trust their students and provide support when needed. As a result, students become independent and confident. They are willing to take risks in their work and learn new ideas and techniques.
“Actually discovering yourself as an artist is much harder than just the technique you produce. I had to think about how art influenced me, and because of that, I think I became a better artist. ” – 13th year BSN art student
“We cannot exist without a creative thinker. It’s a generation of ideas and an opportunity to collaborate with others that drive work. It’s one thing to sit in front of a computer screen and program something. But it’s another matter to have conversations and learn what someone wants from the program to be written to be able to implement it. It all comes from creative thinking. ” – Ryan Imbriale, leader in education
Creative search
As we move into the future and the world changes at an ever-increasing rate, current work experiences may no longer apply in the same way. Thanks to technological advances, some elements of a traditional career will no longer be needed. Young people will need skills that allow flexibility and adaptation. An important element of this is creativity along with self-learning, critical thinking and problem solving combined with resilience to succeed.
“In line with BSN’s new mission, I look forward to having all of our students have the opportunity to develop their creativity, explore their interests and discover their hobbies. I have seen the incredible results of this and remain more than ever convinced of the benefits of the art education we provide at BSN, ”says Graham Rogerson.
Learn more about the opportunities available for your child at The British School in the Netherlands
Learn more about art opportunities in BSN high schools by subscribing to BSNetherlandsArt on Instagram. To find out more about the British School in the Netherlands, you can call +31 (0) 70 315 4077 or, alternatively, by email [email protected].
About Graham Rogerson
Graham Rogerson is Head of Arts at Voorschoten High School, British School in the Netherlands, The Hague. He joined the school in 2014, having previously worked at various educational institutions in England, including downtown Birmingham, York and Hull. He is educated as a sculptor in the field of fine arts and has a wide range of skills and experience in art education. He enjoys cycling and running, working as an artist and spending time with his family.
