The Arts: A Lifeline for SEN Education and Professional Growth

The arts hold an enduring power to enrich lives, nurture talent, and transform futures. From fostering confidence and communication skills to building resilience and adaptability, the benefits of an arts education extend far beyond the stage, canvas, or page. Indeed, transferable skills gained from arts-based pursuits resonate globally, forming a foundation for success in a variety of careers. It’s no surprise that many driven professionals trace their ability to connect, communicate, and sell with passion back to their early experiences in the arts.  

Yet, the arts are often undervalued, dismissed as mere extracurricular activities or hobbies. In reality, they are a cornerstone of education and personal development, offering tools that individuals carry with them for life. This is why initiatives that champion the arts deserve our unwavering support—especially here in Wales, where creative expression is deeply intertwined with our cultural heritage.  

One such initiative is Jak Björnström’s Galwad, a project that supports creatives in Wales (including ‘The Edit’) who are reconnecting with their artistic roots. Many of these individuals may have studied the arts but ventured into different career paths due to life’s demands. Now, with *Galwad*'s tailored workshops, mentoring, and training opportunities, they are rediscovering their creative passions and reigniting their professional journeys. This nurturing and inclusive platform has been warmly embraced across Wales, helping talented individuals thrive once again within the creative sector while enriching our communities with their artistry.  

Looking beyond Wales, the impact of the arts is evident in projects like the Coram Shakespeare Schools Theatre Festival (CSSF), which has been transforming young lives across the UK for 25 years. This festival invites primary and secondary school pupils to take part in abridged performances of Shakespeare, bringing the Bard’s timeless works to life in modern and accessible ways. More than 350,000 young people have participated in the CSSF to date, including pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and those in Pupil Referral Units.  

The success stories emerging from CSSF demonstrate the profound role of drama in shaping social and emotional development. For students at Greenfields School in Kettering and Northgate School in Northampton, the festival has been nothing short of life-changing. Drama teacher Robert Valentine, who works with SEND pupils at Northgate School, has witnessed extraordinary transformations in his students.  

"Drama is so important for their self-esteem, their confidence, and being able to hold a conversation," he explained. "The change I have seen in them over the past five years has been immense and really rewarding." Valentine’s pupils, many of whom join the school with minimal communication skills and severe confidence issues, now light up the stage with their newfound belief in themselves.  

At Greenfields School, the experience has been similarly transformative. Teacher Tony Hughes described how quickly his students grow in confidence and commitment during the rehearsal process. Their recent performance at The Deco Theatre in Northampton was a testament to their hard work and determination, as well as to the life-changing potential of arts education.  

According to Lauren Brewer, programmes coordinator at CSSF, the festival’s inclusivity is key to its success. "What is so amazing about this project is that it has such a wide reach," she said. "We work with people who are really enthusiastic about performing arts, but also young people that have never ever performed on stage before." By creating a safe and supportive environment, CSSF enables all participants to thrive, whether they are seasoned performers or stepping onto the stage for the very first time.  

These stories from CSSF echo the same vital truth celebrated by *Galwad* in Wales: the arts are not a luxury—they are a necessity. They provide individuals with a toolkit of essential skills that are vital for both personal and professional development. From a student overcoming stage fright to an adult rediscovering their creative spark, the ripple effects of arts education are profound and far-reaching.  

Here in Wales, where community and culture are at the heart of everything we do, the arts are more important than ever. Projects like *Galwad* show us what is possible when we invest in creativity, inclusivity, and opportunity. By supporting the arts, we not only preserve our heritage but also create a brighter future for generations to come.  

As we look to the future, let us remember the transformative power of the arts—on the stage, in the classroom, and beyond. Let’s continue to champion initiatives that open doors, ignite passions, and change lives. Because when we support the arts, we support the very essence of what it means to be human.