Scarlett knows that becoming a guide at the Museum of Fine Arts is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Scarlett knows that becoming a guide at the Museum of Fine Arts is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
It is the famous Boston art museum, after all. It’s filled with paintings, sculptures and other pieces from some of the world’s most famous artists. It is visited by hundreds every day, and hosts some of the city’s biggest events.
And considering Scarlett is a Year 4 student at the British International School of Boston, guiding adults through the well-known museum is a very big responsibility.
“I really think it’s a great opportunity,” she said. “I am very glad to be chosen.”
Scarlett is one of 10 British International School of Boston students enrolled in a new training program in partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts. The program will bring the students from Years 3-9 together at the museum every Friday this month to learn about the museum’s art and exhibits and gain public speaking skills. More than 30 students applied for spots in the program.
Each primary school student is paired with a middle school student, creating important links across the age groups of the Boston private school.
In May, the students will serve as museum guides during a school art exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, helping BISB parents and students and community members learn more about the art found in the well-known museum.
The program is part of the Jamaica Plain international school’s Arts April initiative, which aims to bring arts education into the classroom throughout all year groups and subject areas. The student artwork inspired by this initiative will be considered for inclusion in a school exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts on Sunday, May 3.
For Year 4 student Ava, the chance to participate in this program and be able to guide others through the museum’s art was too great to pass up.
“I’m really passionate about art,” she said. “Plus I’ve done other things like this before and really enjoyed it...I did it for the sake of myself and all I could learn from it.”
On April 10, before heading to the museum for their second round of training, the students said they had already learned a lot from the program.
“I think we’re gaining a lot of listening and speaking skills,” said Year 8 student Ana. “These are really important because in the future, when I’m in a job interview or going to university I’m going to need these skills.”
And it’s not only the middle school students who are already viewing the program as a fun and educational way to prepare for college.
“I thought it would be great for my college resume in the future,” said Year 4 student Farrah. “Plus it looked really fun and a good way to get to know other people.”
The training sessions continue this month, and we look forward to sharing more news from the program as we get closer to the May 3 exhibit. Be sure to save the date now, and come see our students’ amazing artwork at the Museum of Fine Arts.
Congratulations to all of the students involved in this program:
