In Westtown’s Middle School, arts classes are called specials. That’s because they add a special dimension to the curriculum, one that sparks creativity, encourages students to draw on novel kinds of thinking, and emphasizes problem-solving. According to The Partnership for 21st Century Skills, students of today should be proficient in
- Demonstrating originality and inventiveness in work
- Developing, implementing and communicating new ideas to others
- Being open and responsive to new and diverse perspectives
- Acting on creative ideas to make a tangible and useful contribution to the domain in which the innovation occurs
And arts classes in Westtown’s Middle School intentionally stress these very skills. Whether the challenges are spatial (in Visual Arts), three-dimensional (in Ceramics and Woodworking), dynamic and technological (in Film and General Music), or contributing to a group effort by perfecting one’s individual skills (in Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Theater), Westtown helps young people grow to meet them.
But important as skill development is, Westtown arts classes are more than that: they’re also special simply because they’re fun. Students enjoy the hands-on, experiential learning that leads to a finished product they’re proud of, whether it’s the production of a Shakespearean play or the creation of a perfect coffee mug. Gallery shows, displays within the Middle School, recordings, and smiling faces—that where you can see what’s special about the arts at Westtown Middle School.