Music and the expressive arts

Intent

As part of our curriculum is the development of the expressive arts: music, media, art and design, dance and drama. We believe that all children should have access to a broad range of learning opportunities, in order that they might discover and develop their own individual talents and interests and to foster confidence, self-expression and a growth mindset. We aim to nurture all children’s talents, so that they are very well prepared for the next stage of their education.  Our work to promote the expressive arts is perfectly encapsulated in our school vision.

Implementation

Article 29

Your education should help you use and develop your talents and abilities. It should also help you learn to live peacefully, protect the environment and respect other people.

Our exciting curriculum aims to immerse children within the chosen theme, providing  authentic learning experiences that are relatable and meaningful for children. Across all phases, opportunities are provided for children to engage positively in discussion and debate; to learn a musical instrument (guitar and drums); to express themselves through singing, music and movement and through opportunities to explore art and design. We carefully plan experiences that are engaging, rich and stimulating, for example: Young Voices, pantomime trips, choir concerts, dance and drama clubs.

Article 13

You have the right to find out things and share what you think with others by talking, drawing, writing or in any other way unless it harms or offends other people.

Our curriculum themes are chosen to link areas of learning across all subjects, which enables teachers to plan opportunities to develop pupils’ skills, to acquire new knowledge and to fully engage with the topic. There are many transferable skills learned through expressive arts, including the development of children’s oracy, listening, collaboration and team-work, problem solving, writing, sharing and taking turns. Children develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments, learn the value of practice to perfect a skill, are provided with opportunities to perform in front of an audience and to work with children from other schools within the local authority.

Article 17

You have the right to get information that is important to your well-being from TV, radio, newspaper, books and computers. An adult should make sure that the information you are getting is not harmful.

We work closely with Encore Music Company to develop arts opportunities within our school and are very excited to be embarking upon the Arts Mark journey at Ewyas Harold.

Impact

Children's progress and attainment in Music is continually assessed through a range of means, including performance in a group or individually, using timing, pitch and tone, children's proficiency in playing a musical instrument and an ability to recall musical terminology. Self, peer and teacher assessment strategies are used throughout the year and is reported to parents and carers in termly consultation evenings and in end of year reports.