What is happening?

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Research shows cutting arts education a loss to all 
Teaching of the arts is sometimes viewed as an optional extra, but 
some of the most successful educational systems see it as 
essential. 
What is happening? 
According to a major new report from the University of Warwick, in Britain, creativity 
is being "squeezed out of schools". Research has shown a decline in the number of 
public schools offering arts subjects; fewer specialist art teachers, and less time devoted 
to arts in the curriculum. Consequently, the report says, fewer creative and cultural 
opportunities exist for children; with those from poorer backgrounds most disadvantaged 
by the trend. 
The Warwick report, Enriching Britain: Culture, Creativity and Growth, details the 
results of a 12-month study involving a special commission of cultural leaders and 
academic experts. It highlights the concern that the current educational model is failing 
to meet the needs of creative and cultural industries, and that the "broader needs for 
innovation and growth" in Britain are being ignored. 
Why is it happening? 
According to the Warwick commission, those in charge of education policy are 
"obsessed" with "a siloed subject-based curriculum" that demands an "early 
specialisation in arts and science disciplines" and overlooks the necessity for all children 
to receive an education that encourages creativity. It is also argued that an over-emphasis 
on science, technology, engineering and mathematics - commonly referred to as core 
"STEM" subjects - is to blame for the decline of arts in schools. Many advocate the need 
for arts education to be given equal weight in the curriculum: for STEM to be modified 
to STEAM. 
Others say funding cuts and the focus on standardised testing have been instrumental in 
edging out the arts. Whatever the reason - and despite being a mandated component of 

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Britain's national curriculum - one result is that in some cases the arts have been slowly 
sidelined to become extracurricular pursuits available only to families who can afford 
them.