Mark - Response to introduction and the reality of Arts in schools

Great summary, it seems like our backgrounds within Art are completely different, however I think that will assist both of us to learn off each other. It's great to see you've been able to use your love for Art and creativity throughout your working life thus far. I can imagine using these skills within primary classroom would make the learning experience in your class much more engaging and therefore effective.   

I really like how you mentioned the Melbourne Declaration, I have found this as really valuable reading. Like the moments you've mentioned, I too have had some fantastic experiences on my placements. It was great to see students go from being disengaged in some classroom situations to embracing learning when it has been delivered in a fashion that grabs at the senses, in domains such as drama, music and visual arts (Sinclair, Jeanneret & O'Toole, 2012). The week 1 readings have allowed me to gain an understanding of how it motivates and engages.     

Thought I'd add the link to the Melbourne Declaration as a useful tool also

http://www.mceecdya.edu.au/verve/_resources/national_declaration_on_the_educational_goals_for_young_australians.pdf

Sinclair, C., Jeanneret, N., & O’Toole, J. (2012). Education in the arts: Teaching and learning in the contemporary curriculum. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.