More time should be freed up in the school day to allow pupils to pursue the arts, the Cabinet Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop has announced.
The creative arts must have their place in a modern Scottish curriculum, she said at the opening of a new pound;300,000 digital training unit at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
The computer-based facility will allow students of all the disciplines taught at the RSAMD to use digital technology in their work creating everything from “virtual” operas, to compositions using 3D animations and digital theatre.
The 15 high-powered computers in the unit include industry-standard film editing software, 3D special effects, photographic software and other training programmes. The unit was financed with a Scottish Funding Council grant.
Ms Hyslop said: “We want Scotland to be a culturally cosmopolitan country. It’s vital that there are opportunities for all youngsters to get involved in art, music, dance or drama, to ensure that they can realise their creative potential and perhaps follow in the footsteps of the students I have met today.
“By freeing up time in the curriculum through the ongoing curriculum review it will give pupils more time to get involved in the arts, sport or volunteering.”
