THE Royal Opera House is holding a one-day conference on Tuesday 30 April to discuss the future of cultural learning. At a time of significant education policy change, Re-imagining Cultural Learning will explore how best to ensure that the arts retain their important place in the school curriculum and young people’s education. Attendees will include head teachers, senior school leaders, representatives from arts organisations and local authorities, and others with an interest in or influence on cultural learning.
Speakers include Nic Marks, fellow of the New Economics Foundation and founder of the Centre for Well-being, who will talk about young people’s happiness and how to nurture it; Martin Green, former head of ceremonies for LOCOG, who will give his views on exploring risk, creative processes and British values; and Louise Thomas, leader of the education programme at Innovation Unit, who will present international research on the future of schools.
As well as contributing to the debate throughout the day, Professor Mick Waters, president of the Curriculum Foundation and former director of curriculum at QCA, will conclude the conference with a keynote address and summary of the outcomes.
Paul Reeve, ROH Director of Learning and Engagement, who will host the conference, said: ‘All of us at the Royal Opera House believe passionately in the value of the arts in young people’s lives and education. It’s very important that drama, dance, music, visual art and design technology are given due prominence in our schools. They must not be neglected in the curriculum. This conference is an opportunity to explore how schools and cultural organisations can work together to ensure access to high-quality cultural learning. We have designed the programme so that there is plenty of opportunity for discussion – stimulating and provocative, we hope – between delegates and speakers.’
This conference is organised by Royal Opera House Bridge, a programme which works to develop opportunities for children and young people across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and North Kent to engage with arts and culture. Its head, Sally Manser, who will moderate the day, said: ‘This conference is another example of our successful engagement with schools and cultural organisations across the Royal Opera House Bridge area, and we are delighted by the take-up. Royal Opera House Bridge is committed to developing creative learning in schools and fostering sustainable relationships between schools and the local cultural sector.’
