Creative subjects at Doha College
Myth: creative subjects are easier than mathematics, English or sciences, require less effort and are chosen by some students as a means to reduce their workload.
Truth: Art, design and technology, drama and music exams involve a range of challenging components which are designed to test technique, knowledge and composition, hardly a walk in the park. Not to mention the fact that controlled assessments in Aat at GCSE level, for example, can take up to 10 hours. They are just as challenging and demanding as mathematics and English, if not more so. Studies have shown that participation in creative subjects is vital in improving learning across all academic areas. These subjects teach valuable skills such as creative problem-solving, mental and visual agility, communication skills, and mastery of a range of media and technology.
Alongside the curriculum, creative subjects teach students la myriad of other competencies that greatly enhance other aspects of their lives. Here are some of the most valuable skills that come with each subject.
Art and Photography
Art students learn to interpret visual information, take creative risks, develop deferred-reward working habits, act with the interests of the larger community in mind, know and appreciate diverse societies, interpret and evaluate others’ perception of reality, be fluent with technology.
Design and Technology
DT students use theoretical knowledge to design solutions to real life problems. They learn how to understand users, devise imaginative ideas, use ground-breaking new materials, master the use of tools and machines, including 3D printers, analyse how things work: mechanisms, electronics and computers including robots.
Drama
Drama students learn how to work collaboratively, give and accept feedback, communicate with or without words, manage insecurities; they acquire memorising techniques, the ability to express emotions. They learn discipline, routine and structure, all without going to military school! For example, if they miss a performance, their absence affects the whole dynamics of the show.
Music
It has long been proven that learning music sharpens the intellect. More specifically, music has been linked to spatial intelligence, which is particularly relevant to geometry. Stage performance helps overcome anxiety. A little anxiety is a good thing and the ability to deal with it early on in life greatly boosts self-confidence - one of the critical attributes that employers seek when recruiting.