School governors to benefit from practical guidance on supporting dance

A practical guide to help school Governors and Trustees become “key advocates” in promoting high quality dance in their school has been released by One Dance UK, in partnership with Arts Council England (ACE) and the National Governors Association.

The guide stresses the holistic benefits of the continued study of dance, such as a lifelong relationship with the arts and physical activity, and emphasises both the importance of an initial and vital exposure to dance and the value of an art form through which young people of all learning abilities can express their identities and cultures.

Key questions

The report raises key questions for governors to ask their team about the place dance has in the curriculum, and suggests more targeted questions focusing on topics such as:

• the value the school places on dance
• how dance is taught and assessed
• what opportunities exist for pupils interested in dance
• what funding exists and the safety of school facilities
• partnerships with external organisation

Describing the guide as “a resource to support you in your role as governor and critical friend”, ACE Chief Executive Darren Henley said: “Studying cultural education subjects, such as art and design, dance, drama and music, sparks creativity across the curriculum, encouraging young people to be inquisitive, disciplined and determined. Wherever children start in life, a high quality cultural education in every school should be a right, not a privilege.”