Magazine 2019

132 In the Preparatory Faculty, the challenges posed to the learners through their Arts and Culture interactions are helping them to grow and develop their chosen genre and become problem-solving critical thinkers who communicate effectively. Our enrichment lessons have focused on integrating technology into our per- formances, displays, presentations and projects. This has been achieved through Project Based Learning activities. Thomas Markham describes project- based learning (PBL) in this manner: “PBL integrates knowing and doing. Stu- dents learn knowledge and elements of the core curriculum, but also apply what they know to solve authentic problems and produce results that matter. PBL students take advantage of digital tools to produce high qual- ity, collaborative products. PBL refocuses education on the student, not the cur- riculum—a shift mandated by the global world, which rewards intangible assets such as drive, passion, creativity, empathy, and resiliency. These cannot be taught out of a textbook, but must be activated through experience.” Art, Drama and Music projects have suc- cessfully collaborated, and our learners have delved into the world of anima- tion, stop-motion, green screen work and three-dimensional printing. This has helped to better prepare them for fourth-generation career opportunities. The Cape Town Eisteddfod is always well supported by our learners and this year the co-curricular Drama learners and individual Musicians performed very suc- cessfully, achieving outstanding results. Our Artists also received high accolades. Our Junior Preparatory ‘Special Person’s Day’ is always a highlight of the third quarter, and this year, the theme of ‘Space’ allowed us to venture into the world be- yond and explore to our heart’s content. The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. It is to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds and who can lead productive lives. - Kelly Pollock & DRAMA