It's good that students these days can sit CXC exams in dance and theatre arts. I wish that were the case a few decades earlier. After all, we've always had similar examinations for music and visual art. But it's happening now and that's good.

I'm also glad that the curriculum for these disciplines involves a fair degree of writing and thinking; and puts emphasis on theoretical knowledge, critical analysis, cultural awareness and an understanding of the arts in a social and historical context. Yeah man, it's not just about having 'raw talent' and confidence. Many people are now realising that one needs more than a modicum of intelligence to truly be an expert in the performing arts.

You know, there's a CXC exam in PE too? I didn't even know that until recently. That too, is a good thing. More schoolboys should now be challenged to match the doings with thinking. Some people think that many star players on high school Manning Cup teams couldn't manage to pass an external test in PE, or any other subject for that matter. If that's true, it's not entirely their fault. Well similarly, we might soon start to discover whether or not the star performer in the drama festival play is just another brainless body who can 'hack a part' but can't expound on the why and how. Yes, CXC, tek it to dem!

About time

But now that performing arts are being accepted as valuable areas worthy of scholarly attention, shouldn't every high school have spaces designed specifically with those subjects in mind? What you think?

There are labs in schools because science is in the curriculum; right? And yes, every school has a playing field and some high schools have gymnasiums, because sports is on the timetable; right? So what about dance and drama?

How come very few high schools in Jamaica can afford to provide adequate and appropriate changing facilities and dance /drama studio spaces for students? Maybe that's something the Ministry of Education should look into. Dance and Drama require spaces where teachers and students can work undisturbed without causing distraction or creating nuisance for the rest of the school.

That's an age old problem though. I taught high school drama (and english language/literature too, believe it or not!) in the '80s, and I've observed the system. Many schools seem either unwilling or unable to procure the facilities and equipment needed to encourage talent and provide training in the performing arts. Most times it's because some people in administration choose to view those subjects as mere recreational and extra-curricular activities put on the timetable to allow students a break from 'real work'. So not much thought is given to providing the right space, if any at all.

Of course, there have always been exceptions, like in my days at Excelsior. We had three drama rooms back then. Ah wonder how many they have now? And how about your high school; do they have a space for dance and drama?

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