Simon Herbert (left), headmaster at Dulwich College Beijing, introduces the submissions to visitors at the award ceremony of the Dulwich Science Art Photo Competition at the Luo Hong Art Museum in Beijing, May 13, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

According to Simon Herbert, headmaster at Dulwich College Beijing, art is a part of the curriculum and a compulsory lesson for students aged 2 to 14. At 15, such lessons are optional, yet students are still encouraged by the school to continue learning art, music or drama, including performing and visual arts.

"We have a good number of students that take (art lessons) all the way through the age of 18. The art department is one of my favorites," Herbert said.

Art pieces from the students were hung on the wall of Smile Angel Children's Hospital in Beijing. The theme for these works is "miracles", highlighting children's hopes and dreams.

First Birthday Present, by Archie O. H. from Dulwich College. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Herbert believes art education is essential during childhood, and this is the reason why the school makes it compulsory.

"Art is another window to the world. Art, music, drama and language are other ways to look at things. If you don't teach students such things, they will have no opportunity to think about the world creatively or in a different way." Herbert added.

In art education, the school works to encourage and protect each child's originality.

"We hope the students have the ability to find beauty in this world. Only when they have a spirit and mind to feel the beauty, can their works impress others," said Jin Yao, school development director at Dulwich College Beijing.