From the Leadership Team

Lucas Collins, Head of Junior School 

The value of Visual Arts in education 

Last week, we held the ELC to Year 10 Art Show Opening at Kilvington - and what a wonderful event it was.

As I joined the sizeable crowd gathered around Dalton Hall and the Junior School Reception, I couldn’t help but be swept up in the excited energy filling the space.

The galleries were a hive of activity. Some students buzzed from display to display, eagerly showing their family members works on display. Others spent longer at each piece, soaking up the detail, talent and effort visible in each creation. 

It was inspiring to see the range of creativity on display. Each piece of artwork told its own story, portrayed emotions and sparked the imagination of the viewer.

I listened with pride as appreciative observers spoke glowingly of the talents of our students and Visual Art teachers alike.

On the way home, I found myself reflecting on just how much a strong Visual Arts program gives to our students. Yes, it helps them refine their technical skills in different styles and mediums, but it also does so much more.

Art nurtures creativity, encourages self-expression and develops essential skills that benefit students across all areas of learning.

At Kilvington, our Art teachers invite students to think differently, take creative risks and solve problems in new ways – skills that are valuable well beyond the classroom. By exploring different styles, genres and mediums from across cultures and eras, our learners also deepen their understanding of and appreciation for diversity and global perspectives. 

As I was preparing to write this piece, I came across many studies confirming what we already see at Kilvington: that engaging in the arts can lower stress, build focus and cultivate confidence in young people. It can give students a powerful outlet to reflect on their experiences, process their emotions, and communicate in ways that words sometimes cannot. 

And no wonder - we know from research that half (or more) of the human brain is devoted to processing visual information. We really are visual creatures!

At Kilvington, our students are incredibly fortunate to have such rich and diverse opportunities in Visual Arts – brought to life by our expert and dedicated educators.