The Arts are an important vehicle which raise the self-esteem, self-worth, confidence, and well-being of our young people. Within it, students are encouraged to communicate in a wide range of ways and to express their emotions safely. Having a fit for purpose Arts curriculum is key to unlocking all our students’ potential and allowing the Arts to make a lasting impact which will provide opportunities for our student in their future lives.
The Arts develop:
- Pride and self worth
- An opportunity to ‘escape’ day to day life
- A sense of wellbeing and positive mental health
- An inclusive and accessible experience
- Opportunities for Accreditation (Arts Awards Discover/Explore)
- Opportunities for recognition (Arts Mark – Gold Level)
Music
Music helps students learn across subjects and to build social and cultural values, it raises self-esteem and unlocks students’ potential at many different levels.
Singing and signing – Individually, they are a new language and a form of expression and communication. When teamed together, they are a powerful communication tool that supports language and expressive development. They both go beyond inclusivity, adding another dimension to the way young people communicate.
Performance and Drama
They both promote communication skills, teamwork, dialogue, negotiation, and socialisation. They stimulate imagination, support the development of language, skills and creativity.
Experiences & Visits –Students can use their senses and their bodies to respond and react to different Art forms. These Experiences give our young people the opportunity for expression and creativity which enhances learning even at the most basic level, they provide all our students the opportunity to engage with the world around them and encourages self-esteem and personal confidence to increase overtime.
Dance – is pre-verbal communication, beginning before words can be formed. It is innate in children before they possess command over language and is evoked when thoughts or emotions are too powerful for words to contain.
Art
Drawing and Mark Making – linked to fine motor development and writing in English
Painting and printing – accessible to all and easy to differentiate and expand. There are many opportunities for students within this subject, from sensory exploration through to learning new skills and techniques.
Design Technology
- Mosaic & Collage – are easy to adapt and expand. Students will all be able to access this subject, from the exploration of textures and colour through to the creation of complex designs. Students will develop their fine motor skills and for some, the ability to problem solve.
- Sculpture – It improves fine motor skills. It allows students to explore the 3-dimensional world and encourages them to extend their tactile experiences beyond the norm. It helps students to develop their knowledge of carving, chiseling, modelling, fixing, gluing, and sewing.