More Artists In Class Needed

Professional artists should be invited into the classroom to inspire secondary school pupils and help them understand the value of art and design in their lives, the exam watchdog suggested today. Art teachers can focus too much on skills and techniques, which influences the reference materials they bring to the class, according to the report Monitoring curriculum and assessment project 2005 - 2006: Art and design, published by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority. But the QCA believed children could get more out of their lessons if they were able to work alongside professional "artists, craftspeople and designers". The watchdog said: "We feel that such practice provides opportunity for pupils to learn in contexts and to recognise the value of art and design in their own lives." (For full source and article click the Headline). Irish Art