More Boys Getting Involved in Art at St Andrews

More Boys Getting Involved in Art at St Andrews The number of boys participating in GCSE and IB Art is looking way up for next year. There are some wonderful examples of the art that boys are creating at St Andrews. See for yourself in our virtual gallery!

As Year 9 students finalise their option choices for next year, now is a good time to celebrate some of the wonderful art created by boys in the art department at St Andrews International School Bangkok.  Learn more about the positive trend, and take a walk through this vibrant virtual gallery.

Celebrating Boys Achievement in Art

Over the last few years in the art department at St Andrews International School Bangkok, boys have traditionally formed only a small percentage of the students who have opted to take art at GCSE and IB levels. It is very encouraging that early indications show a much larger number of boys in Year 9 wanting to pursue Art in Year 10.  In fact, the program is likely to have 10 times more boys in year 10 art classes next academic year, compared to this year’s numbers. Mr Tim, Head of Art at St Andrews, reflected on reasons for the increase: “I think there are a number of factors contributing to the increase, including the introduction of Photography as an endorsed subject within the Art GCSE course, as well as a greater emphasis on digital and three dimensional work. It has also helped that the current art teaching team has a good gender balance.”

In a BBC news article from 2009 it was pointed out that “Boys are choosing not to study art because the traditional curriculum of drawing and painting is not appealing to them, school inspectors say.” Miriam Rosen, Ofsted's (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills) director of education, said boys typically did better in art where the curriculum was broad.

Boys do approach art-making differently and we aim to encourage these differences. After all, the creative industries are full of successful men; photographers, film directors, designers, advertising executives and architects. Here are some examples of the creative endeavours of our male students. We think you will agree that there is a great deal of talent demonstrated in their work.