XN000022-1977-09-26 — Page 9

Monday, September 26, 1977

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PUPILS URGED TO TAKE ART SERIOUSLY

The Assistant Director of Education (Chief Inspector of Schools),

Mr. Arthur Brown this afternoon urged more pupils to take art seriously and

also take it as an examination subject.

Speaking at the opening of the Joint School Art Society's Art

Exhibition at Ming Yin College in Tai Hang Tung, Kowloon, Mr. Brown said

that by doing this pupils would take some of the pressure eff examinations

because of the pleasure this subject could give them,

''

"We want to persuade more and more schools to take art as a serious

subject in the curriculum right up to form five and beyond," he added.

The Assistant Director pointed out that art was not just a selfish

activity designed to help oneself.

"It is also extremely useful and gives great pleasure to other

people. Furthermore it develops a sense of design which you will be able to

make use of all your life.

"I think it also helps to make you more aware of your surroundings

and much more observant of what goes on around you. So we definitely regard

art and design as an essential part of the school curriculum."

"The effect of modern art and design," he said, "can be seen all

around us, even in our homes. Nowadays good designs surround us, and most new

products have been created to give pleasure in their appearances as well as

being functional.'

Mr. Brown congratuated the pupils for putting together the exhibition

on their own initiative. "I think this is a very fine thing. It is an excellent

omen for the future of Hong Kong," he said.

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