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The History of Art

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Yorkshiregel Sat 15-Oct-16 16:49:58

I have a degree in the History of Art, as did David Cameron. Why am I telling you this? The AQA Examining Board have just announced that the subject will no longer be offered to students in schools after 2018. I think this is a crying shame. Michael Gove seems to be at the bottom of it after pushing for core subjects and getting rid of what he called 'soft subjects'. Well actually it is not a soft subject. I knew nothing about Art really and the course opened my eyes. I found it totally absorbing and interesting. It was much harder to get this degree than the Business studies degree I also took. The AQA however say that the subject 'the complex and specialist nature of the exams in this subject creates too many risks, and we are not aware of any university that requires an A level in this subject. They have also dropped A levels in classical civilisations, archaeology and anthropology. Why? What a loss to this country and I think it is totally unfair to deny those at state schools while those in private schools can study these subjects as they wish. That is discrimination isn't it?

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NotTooOld Sat 15-Oct-16 17:06:02

Certainly sounds like it, Yorkshiregel. It's all part of the governmental focus only on subjects that will contribute to working life. Of course, we could, and should, argue that anything that expands our knowledge and understanding will be helpful in our working lives. I also studied history of art degree level and found it a difficult subject which I did not particularly enjoy. However, I stand by the theory that all education, whatever it is, is beneficial to our development as human beings.

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whitewave Sat 15-Oct-16 17:12:14

I've done some Art History in my time and love the subject. Philistines!

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Lillie Sat 15-Oct-16 17:55:24

The Arts in general are currently very undervalued in the educational world which I feel is a shame. It's all about IT and technology these days. I also doubt whether there are sufficient qualified and passionate teachers in the state sector to teach the subjects anyway.
I guess it's the value added extras you get when you pay for a private education, and no doubt specialist teachers are more attracted to private schools for the working conditions and wealth of resources.

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BBbevan Sat 15-Oct-16 18:00:52

Loved History of Art at art school , and I took it as part of a degree later. It is such a rich subject and touches many aspects of life. It will be a crying shame if it is side-lined.
Some decisions are so short sighted

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