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Education and Home Affairs Scrutiny Panel Written Submission – Post-16 education - Marett
I have just read your press release regarding your new review.
Having just endured the most painful and stressful 11 months of my life when seeking support, advice, guidance as well as funding for my 16yr old daughter I feel that I am in a very good place to become involved in this review.
Performing Arts is not available at pre-professional level in Jersey unlike the UK.
Funding is limited unlike the UK. Their own Government have created their own funding scheme for these talented teenagers in the form of a DaDa (Dance and Drama Award) but only for UK and EU residents. The Channel Island pupils are excluded.
Jersey has always done well with producing (private schools and studios) many talented Performing Arts students but support is woefully low and in parts inadequate when it comes to pre-professional training. Preferring to direct funds into sport. The Arts are seen as a poor relation. Performing Arts has previously been seen as a career choice of the elite something that the industry is keen to dispel and ensure that talent from all walks of society has access to training and not just those well-heeled pupils thanks to their parents. You can't buy talent.
I would be delighted to be involved and prepared to share the information that I have researched over the last year to support my case.
There are now 6 teenagers (16yr olds) and 3, 18 year olds starting at various Performing Arts Colleges and Vocational Schools across the UK this week. Unprecedented numbers this year and never seen before. With an ever increasing interest in the arts across the island in recent years with more and more drama schools, and dancing studios opening by locals these numbers may well increase over the years. Certainly putting the island on the map within the world of the arts. With the fairly recent introduction of GCSE Dance and A Level Dance to run parallel with the existing Drama exams we are bound to see these numbers only increase over the years. The schools should not been seen to offer subjects to their pupils if they are not prepared to offer post 16 funding for pre-professional training at Degree level.
None of these talented islanders ever forget their roots and are proud to call Jersey their home, in return it is a small price to pair to support these children/young adults to realise their full potential. Recently whilst conducting my own research I have received over 45 CV's and photographs of these islanders working not just in the island but also across the world in the Performing Arts. These CV's list the local studios that they trained at and where they trained in the UK. Many contribute greatly to teaching the next generation of performers in Jersey. Not forgetting using their talents within the Amateur Dramatic world in Jersey entertaining locals and visitors alike.
The Performing Arts crosses all generations and it is well known that the endorphins that are released through dance and drama give a sense of confidence and wellbeing. Sometimes more than sport can offer for some children as well as the older members of society.
Dance also assists those "SEN" pupils within the private and State run schools. These children (subject to a successful audition) may also go onto pre-professional Performing Arts Schools and Colleges. Where a degree/university education could be beyond their reach. They too can then have the knowledge and confidence that they can interact and play an active and contributory part in the adult world. I look forward to hearing from you in due course.