The importance of creative and performing arts education during the pandemic

Q: What is Elizabeth Moir School’s approach to teaching the creative and performing arts online?

A: When we realised that remote learning was going to be necessary, we were keen to ensure that we’d be able to conduct a programme enabling students to continue to engage with and explore the creative and performing arts along with their academics.

Elizabeth Moir School’s 2019 production of West Side Story School Edition.

Most performing arts call for direct – and at times, physical – collaboration and interaction, which for obvious reasons, would not be possible through a remote learning structure.

Instead of hiding the challenges of shifting the arts programme online, we discussed these limitations with the students, and engaged them in the process of conceptualising solutions to create and present meaningful art at a time when it was more necessary than ever.

Q: Why is it necessary that teaching the arts continues online?

A: In my opinion, it’s vital that the arts continue online while remote learning is in place.

In a world where there are many opposing perspectives on important issues, it is important that we cultivate the skills necessary for the next generation to have the grace and generosity to hear different points of view, but also the courage to express their thinking and what they stand for.

The arts also enable students to cultivate their emotional intelligence – an area that is integral in shaping conscientious leaders and innovators for the future.

Q: What challenges have been faced by teachers and students as a result of the above?

A: The challenges have varied. For some teachers, the main challenge was finding practical ways to teach and conduct effective sessions virtually to overcome the gaps created by not being in the same physical space as the students.

And for others, there were challenges in getting better acquainted with the tools and resources available to conduct online sessions.

I suppose the main challenge for students has been the need to adapt to not being around their friends physically as they create and perform. It is truly commendable however, that they adapted to this new structure so quickly, and continue to pour time, effort and passion into all their projects and endeavours.

Q: What is the most positive aspect about this experience?

A: One of the more positive aspects about this experience is the increased level of teamwork, collaboration and support we offer each other.

Teachers across departments have worked together to share their experience, knowledge and resources, and continue to do so. This has helped the teachers in the Creative & Performing Arts Department create and conduct programmes that are beneficial to students.

Q: What has the school planned for the arts online this term?

A: We began the term by hosting the Elizabeth Moir School Impromptu Debating Championship online with 30 teams from different schools and the Press Club has continued to publish online issues of The Moir Post – a publication written and created by students.

We are also presenting our first virtual play, which I’ve had the pleasure of directing. It is a short comedy that was created and will be performed remotely.

At Elizabeth Moir School, we look to the future with the hope that we’ll be able to resume activities in school once again. Until then, we’re committed to finding new ways of approaching, teaching and exploring the creative and performing arts.

INTERVIEWEE INFO
Anushka Senanayake
Creative & Performing Arts
Co-ordinator & Drama Teacher
COMPANY DETAILS
Telephone :2512275
Email : senior.school@moir.lk
Website :www.elizabethmoirschool.com