Transforming the Curriculum Through the Arts

Book excerpt: This textbook highlights the unique role that quality Arts processes and experiences can and should play across the curriculum to ensure that all learners’ creativities and imaginations flourish. It provides much-needed strategies, units of work and practical resources in six arts disciplines – visual arts, literature, drama, music, dance and media arts. It is a must-read for those keen to develop research-informed, integrated, arts-rich learning and teaching strategies while also exploring each discipline. Alongside the ‘four Cs’ (critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity) the authors propose four additional ‘Cs’: curiosity, compassion, connection and courage as much-needed 21st century capabilities. The book speaks to the current debates on STEAM vs. STEM education, and provides an important framework for preservice and experienced classroom teachers, including arts specialists.