The state of the arts: the challenge for the arts in Primary education in Scotland

The Expressive Arts has been long established in our curricula guidelines in Scotland, with learners able to enjoy breadth and depth of a range of Expressive Arts learning activities. At a time where education systems are looking to refresh learning and teaching post-Covid, there is a need to take stock and consider the role of the arts in the education of children and young people, but also what are the challenges in fulfilling this role?

This symposium explores the current ‘state of the arts’ in the Primary school in Scotland. It will present findings from three interlinked research projects (Art, Dance and Music) which each explored two specific aims: primary teachers’ knowledge and confidence relating to teaching the arts in their classrooms; and, the content of arts education in primary-focused Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes.

Each paper will present key findings based on these aims, providing insight into the current ‘state’ and the challenges for teachers in ensuring that children have access to quality expressive arts learning experiences. It is these challenges and, most importantly, the ways to overcome and meaningfully address them as an education system, that we are keen to explore through discussion with delegates.