Expressive arts

Teachers have real scope to plan innovative, motivating activities for children and young people to enable all of them to participate and make progress in the expressive arts. They can capitalise particularly on the potential for the expressive arts to allow creativity and self-expression from the earliest stages to the last. Building upon what children may bring from home, and complementing out-of-school activities, teachers can plan progression at the right pace.

In developing expressive and aesthetic experiences from the early stages, the emphasis should be on enjoyment, expression and development as well as on the quality of any product. As they grow older, young people should continue to experience, explore and experiment while further developing knowledge and specific skills to encourage their progress in the arts. These skills include presenting ideas and emotions as individuals or in groups and commenting on their own work and that of others. Through activities of this kind they can be encouraged to develop their powers of observation, personal response, critical analysis, evaluation, and communication.

The use of new technologies opens up exciting opportunities for children and young people to express themselves and acquire new skills.

Learning in the expressive arts provides opportunities to underpin and enrich learning in all other curriculum areas and more widely. Teachers can plan activities which will offer opportunities to apply and enhance skills gained in expressive arts, for example through role-play and drama. By supporting them as they prepare for and participate in concerts, shows and events which the local community can enjoy, staff can provide opportunities for children and young people to experience a real sense of achievement.

There is tremendous scope to work in partnership with the wide range of artists and musicians, co-ordinators and organisations in culture and the arts who are able to enliven and enrich children and young people’s experiences and learning. The school’s own community of parents, neighbours, staff and children will also have a wealth of skills and experience to contribute.