How can we embed arts across the primary curriculum?

In 2017, the Cultural Learning Alliance published an updated version of their ‘Key research findings’, which explores large-scale research into the impact of arts and cultural education. The report cites research conducted that demonstrates the staggering impact that the arts can have, stating that ‘children from low income families who take part in arts activities at school are three times more likely to get a degree’. Geoff Barton placed further emphasis on this in his briefing paper on the findings, which highlights the power of an arts education to ‘fuel social mobility’ (Barton, 2018). As well as the social impact, the report also highlights the educational impact that the arts can have, including improving students’ maths and English attainment. The ‘Key research findings’ provided empirical evidence in consonance with what my professional judgement already told me: the arts are of vital importance for children’s academic and holistic development. But how d