16th November 2012 9:00
By Blue Tutors
This week leading British figures in art and culture have voiced their concerns over the lack of arts subject in the new English Baccalaureate. Critics have said that Britain’s creative economy could be destroyed within a generation as a result of the decision to remove arts subjects from the new EBACC. Among those who spoke out this week are Sir David Hare and Grayson Perry, who said they are deeply concerned over the impact of excluding arts subjects.
They highlighted that state schools in particular may marginalise arts subjects if they no longer count towards the students’ qualifications. Under the proposals, the EBACC will be based on English, Maths, Science, a language and History or Geography. Music, Art, Drama and Design do not count towards the qualification.
Last year the government cut the number of teacher training places available for arts subjects, with art losing 220 places. In response to the EBACC plans, 27% of secondary schools have withdrawn arts subjects from the curriculum, with Drama and Art being the most likely to go.