What is the effect on confidence and self-esteem?
The evidence, especially from the young people who were interviewed suggests a positive effect on confidence and self-esteem after attending The Art Room. This was confirmed by teachers who said that this improved confidence was transferred into the classroom, with many of those who had attended better able to engage at school. This effect lasted well after their time at The Art Room.
Does The Art Room help young people manage difficult situations better?
The secondary school students thought The Art Room had helped them manage their feelings, especially anger, cope with the pressures of school life and organise themselves better. Their teachers agreed.
The change in the younger children’s responses was often quite dramatic, both in controlling anger and being more appropriately assertive. Their teachers and parents confirmed this and how their attitude had changed. One father, for instance, spoke of how much happier his nine-year old daughter was and that she had now stopped hitting him.