Concerns over baccalaureate (From Gazette & Herald)

Concerns over baccalaureate

10:00am Wednesday 28th November 2012 in Letters By Reader's letter

AS an architect, involved in the design and implementation of many award-winning buildings in the region, I am very concerned aboutproposals for the new English Baccalaureate, announced recently.

I understand that there are a number of representations being made to Mr Gove by the likes of Sir Nicholas Hytner, Sir Nicholas Serota and Richard Rogers.

Their concern, and mine, is that the new system does not include arts as a core subject, suggesting that art, design, dance, drama and music will be pushed into the margins of education.

I have also raised this issue with the policy team at the Royal Institute of British Architects, who I believe are making further representation to Mr Gove.

Learning about the arts enables people to make, learn and express themselves.

This to me is key to the creation of a society with innovators and designers who will help shape our future for the common good.

It is vital that children are stimulated by the curiosity of our creative world and thereby equipped to express themselves verbally, physically and imaginatively.

Without this, we are in danger of creating a monochrome, bureaucratic society, free of creative expression.

Ric Blenkharn, Director of Bramhall Blenkharn, Malton