The creative world always has an eye on the future and, with new technologies reshaping how we express ourselves, we speak to two schools about their forward-thinking perspective on delivering arts teaching for tomorrow’s world
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate
Queen Ethelburga’s (QE) champions innovative technologies, and digital competence is prioritised alongside academic attainment and critical thinking – all helping to develop confidence in tomorrow’s fast-changing landscape, where creative skills will be in demand.
Teachers are encouraged to develop opportunities within the curriculum to introduce, and pioneer uses of technology. Modelling industry uses of technology – notably AI – fosters a culture of practical application and real-world relevance. QE’s creative classrooms have access to sophisticated design technology to enhance the student experience.
Teachers come from or still work in industry, and lead as subject experts to ensure that students receive a contemporary understanding of their ambitions. “In addition, our digital suites have the latest computer aided design software, 3D printers, and laser cutters facilitated by technical coaches with expert knowledge of programmes and practical applications,” says QE’s Head of Cognitive Science and Digital Literacy, Jason Sharma-Pay, who is also a Teacher of Creative Arts.
“All our creative arts students have access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, a photography studio, green screen studio, a large selection of digital equipment, and a dark room,” adds Jason Sharma-Pay. “We offer live briefs throughout the year and our clubs include Film Club, Marketing Club, and the Student School Magazine Club, which is run by an industry expert.”
Practical applications are also a feature of QE life. An outreach event run by NM Productions earlier this year delivered inspiring workshops and lectures showcasing the latest technologies, including AI. The company was set up by alumna Anissa Payne – an extra inspiration for students with a creative or technical career ambition.
“QE teachers come from or still work in industry, and ensure that students receive a contemporary understanding”
The Collegiate’s Creative Arts also delivers modern vocational qualifications such as BTEC Level 2 and 3 in Esports, with QE fielding three competitive national teams in F1, Valorant and Minecraft – and they have achieved national success. Teaching staff working across Esports, Science, Computer Science, Learning Development, Creative Arts and Cognitive Science collaborate to embed gamification into the curriculum. Students use Minecraft to research the human body, build real-life models of anatomy, construct Saxon Villages and tackle the challenges of climate change. Some 20 staff here are in continual training (CPD) in order to employ Minecraft in innovative ways.
New technologies come into play across the arts spectrum, and students are also asked to consider the ethics of some of these applications. Cross-curricular opportunities are prioritised, especially between STEM and the arts. As Jason Sharma-Pay points out, the 2040 student leaver will be working in a vastly different landscape, making it critical that students today understand its importance, recognise its limitations and become digitally competent.
“Starting a department called Cognitive Science and Digital Literacy demonstrates the emphasis QE puts on students understanding the importance of ‘thinking about thinking’ when using technology. We champion the importance of teaching critical thinking and digital skills,” he adds. “Focusing on developing our Thrive skillset across the Creative Arts and Collegiate prepares all students to be confident, take risks, pioneer change, adapt to surroundings, collaborate, communicate and be digitally competent with the next innovation.”
Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate qe.org
Oakham School
“We see technology as another tool for exploring ideas and many of our students use digital approaches alongside more physical, ‘traditional’ approaches,” says Elinor Brass, Director of Art and Design at Oakham School. “We don’t teach any exclusively digital elements to our courses, but instead the students are going in and out of working digitally as a way of developing their ideas and imagery. They are using it fluently as the digital world is such an important part of their lives.”
Students at Oakham work with digital photography, and many also use Procreate or apps such as Bazaart to play with imagery and ideas. AI is sometimes used as a tool to generate ideas or develop an extra strand of research. Animation and film are popular – especially as students progress on to A-level study. “With many more galleries offering immersive experiences, students are interested in playing with digital projections, as well as using sound to capture the viewer. They are blending digital approaches to captivate the audience,” adds Elinor Brass. In Sculpture, access to VR has given students the ability to experiment with really creative sculptural ideas.
There’s always openness to new ideas at Oakham – encouraging students to explore different media in order to make films, create digital art or even AI artworks. “We run regular trips to a wide range of art galleries and exhibition spaces to inspire pupils to explore new media. We also invite outside speakers to give talks and run workshops for our pupils, encouraging them to experiment with new media and approaches,” says Elinor Brass. “Most recently, artist Charley Peters spoke to Year 12 artists about using AI to inspire her own paintings. Charley gave students an insight into how artists can embrace cutting edge technology.”
Beyond the purely creative spheres, Oakham encourages cross-curricular approaches. “We have developed a series of unique moments of collaboration between subjects, many of which include the creative and performing arts, augmenting the curriculum of both subjects by creating new learning experiences for pupils,” says Deputy Head Academic Dr Leo Dudin. These range from a Year 8 Dance and Religion and Philosophy collaboration covering the story of the Ramayana to an Art and Biology project to paint interpretations of microorganisms under the microscope.
“New technologies and mediums give students fresh ways to view the world, sparking curiosity and inspiring creativity,” says Dr Leo Dudin. “Presenting pupils with new opportunities to engage with technologies as they mature allows them to reevaluate their previous assumptions about the arts. This can either spark fresh insights or build on their existing passion.
“The arts also lend themselves to being made more visible – through concerts, productions and exhibitions – than some other subjects,” he adds. “Whether 2D or 3D, digital or fabric, small or large, individual or a collective, these creative and performing arts resonate with pupils in different ways.”
Oakham School oakham.rutland.sch.uk
Further reading: Super science – how schools bring STEM to life
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