Expressive Arts in LPS - Spring Term Monitoring

During our Spring term LPS Review Fortnight, members of the Creative Crew Pupil Voice Group and the AoLE leader spoke to learners, spoke to staff, looked at creative journals and undertook a website scrutiny. 

We identified the following strengths:

All classes have completed a variety of expressive arts activities from their LPS Learning Projects. In LPS Spring Festival, children explored different dances that are performed during different spring festivals. They performed Chinese New Year dragon dances and Holi Festival of Colour dances. In Amazing Astronauts, children have listened to ‘The Planets’ by Gustav Holst and explored how the piece of music might represent the planets in the Solar System. They have also created music to accompany a rocket blast off. In The Roman Invasion, children have researched Celtic patterns and created their own Celtic pattern for the shields. They have created artwork based on research of Roman myths and legends and they have created voice-overs for a battle animation. In Sweynsey, children have explored the six different styles of Viking artwork and they have created broaches using Viking craft techniques. In Wales, Wars and Weddings, children have created their own Tudor style selfies and they have explored how Tudor music might have impacted our culture today. In Abertawe Egyptology, children have designed their own Pharaoh masks and have started to investigate instruments played during the Egyptian era. In the Origin of Species, children have created sketches of various species and they have recreated the exciting and dangerous journeys of Wallace and Darwin using film and media. Engaging in expressive arts activities related to these meaningful themes helps children connect more deeply with their work. This involvement sparks greater interest and curiosity, making the topic more engaging and relevant to them.

The AoLE leader and Creative Crew are continuing to focus on the development of music in LPS. Even though training has been carried out in the use of Charanga, the music teaching and learning resource which is available for all schools in Wales, it is still only being used in a minority of classes. Children in Reception have been listening, responding and moving to ‘Brush Our Teeth’ and ‘Find the Beat’ which have focused on pitch, pulse and instruments. Children in Year 2 have been listening, responding and moving to ‘It’s OK, Please Just Say’ which has links to their Health and Wellbeing focus. Music is not just an enrichment, it is a powerful tool for developing creativity, confidence and connection. Music inspires young minds, improves focus and builds the foundations for lifelong learning.

The LPS Choir entered the Urdd Eisteddfod Choir Competition during the Spring term. The choir learnt and rehearsed the song ‘Bwyd’ by Welsh singer/songwriter Caryl Parry Jones. The children performed ‘Bwyd’ in the Welsh Learners category in the Brangwyn Hall. Taking part in the Urdd Choir Competition has been an extremely valuable experience for the children both personally and musically. They have built confidence and improved their musical skills. They have expressed their creativity, learnt resilience and the experience could inspire future goals in music. In just one event, the children have gained valuable life lessons that go far beyond the stage. 

Our next steps:

• To continue monitoring the coverage of the Expressive Arts skills within the LPS Learning Projects to show progression, coverage and high standards of learners.
• To develop questionnaire for staff to provide reasons for barriers to using Charanga. 
• To continue monitoring the development of music across the school.