Students participate in Bell Shakespeare Learning Image via carclew.com.au
Theatre Network Victoria has sent a letter to Federal Minister for Education, Christopher Pyne MP, and Federal Arts Minister, Senator George Brandis QC, urging them to reject the recommendation of the National Curriculum review panel, which is that there are too many art forms and there should be a focus only on music and visual arts, sending dance and drama/theatre into English and Physical Education as elective subjects.
Our concern is that this effectively means young people in many schools may never study drama, theatre or dance and thus never see a live performance.
We argue that this would be a retrograde step, as it contradicts the landmark Champions of Change research which demonstrates that students who participate in theatre and drama build confidence around language, planning, goal-setting, literacy and communication and have enhanced school retention.
We highlighted the 2015 Victorian Theatre and Drama Studies Playlist, which has just been released, as an example of the quality and diversity of plays that are a formal part of the current curriculum. The playlist highlights 12 productions from 12 Australian companies and includes classic texts and contemporary Australian works. Importantly it includes productions that are touring to over 30 regional centres across Victoria. These tours offer unique experiences for regional students who may never otherwise have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne or larger regional centres.
Many of Australia’s theatre companies, including many of TNV’s members, are creating work for this very purpose – connecting with young people, building their learning opportunities, and giving them access to innovative, relevant and exciting contemporary live performances. This proposed change in the curriculum emphasis, risks putting the already vulnerable theatre industry in jeopardy.
The Review’s Final Report and its recommendations will now be considered by all Australian education ministers. We do hope that the Ministers all understand the importance of the performing arts in the lives of Australian students, and reject the review’s recommendations.
Here is the complete letter:
Dear Minister Pyne,
I write on behalf of the Theatre Network (Vic) membership across Australia (see membership list below), to express our concerns in relation to the current review of the National Curriculum.
Of particular concern is the statement in the review that there are too many art forms and there should be a focus only on music and visual arts, sending dance and drama/theatre into English and Physical Education as elective subjects.
Our concern is that this effectively means young people in many schools may never study drama or theatre and thus never see a live performance.
This would be a retrograde step, as it contradicts the landmark Champions of Change[1] research which demonstrates that students who participate in theatre and drama build confidence around language, planning, goal-setting, literacy and communication and have enhanced school retention.
For example, in the ensemble/production process, drama and theatre students consistently problem-solve, listen to and find alternatives, visualise the outcomes creatively and imaginatively, and make smart choices to meet deadlines. These are all broad life skills needed in any career, not only a career in the arts.
The value of drama and theatre studies is further evidenced by the 2015 Victorian Theatre and Drama Studies Playlist, which has just been released. The playlist highlights 12 productions from 12 Australian companies and includes classic texts and contemporary Australian works. Importantly it includes productions that are touring to over 30 regional centres across Victoria. These tours offer unique experiences for regional students who may never otherwise have the opportunity to travel to Melbourne or larger regional centres.
Many of Australia’s theatre companies are creating work for this very purpose – connecting with young people, building their learning opportunities, and giving them access to innovative, relevant and exciting contemporary live performances. This proposed change in the curriculum focus, risks putting the already vulnerable theatre industry in jeopardy.
We urge you and the State Ministers to reject the recommendation of the review panel and keep Drama and Theatre Studies at the centre of the National Curriculum.
Yours sincerely,
Nicole Beyer
Director,
Theatre Network Victoria
Simon Abrahams,
Chair,
Theatre Network Victoria
