Expressive Arts in LPS - Summer Term Monitoring

During our Summer term LPS Review Fortnight, members of the Creative Crew Pupil Voice Group and the AoLE leader spoke to learners, looked at creative journals, analysed data from a staff questionnaire 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 Rockpool Raiders, children created sand art sculptures on the beaches of Swansea. In LPS and Brynteg Farm, children created 3D sculptures for animal areas on the farm which led to discussions on texture. In The Bay Magazine, children created artwork encapsulating the features of Swansea Bay, using inspiration from Welsh artist Rhiannon Roberts. They also created an advert for improving tourism at Swansea Bay. In LPS Market, children created and filmed an advert to promote Swansea Market and they designed and made jewellery for their LPS Market.  In LPS Fitness Fanatics, children created personal portraits showcasing what made their lives full. Partaking in Expressive Arts activities that are linked to these rich themes and topics helps children to make connections with their work and increases their interest in the topic.

The AoLE Leader, alongside the Creative Crew, observed limited utilisation of Charanga throughout the school, prompting the development of a staff questionnaire to ascertain the underlying reasons for this issue. The AoLE Leader analysed the responses:

• 43% of teaching staff have used Charanga during the academic year 2024-25.

        57% of teaching staff have not used Charanga during the academic year 2024-25.

• Staff members who utilised Charanga expressed enjoyment and found it beneficial; however, they indicated a need for additional time to thoroughly explore all features of the site.
• Several staff members reported that their lack of engagement with Charanga this year can be attributed to various factors, including time constraints, a need for further training, absence during initial training sessions, and being new to the team, which has led to uncertainty regarding its integration with current topics.
• All staff expressed a desire for additional training in utilising Charanga, and teaching assistants have also requested similar training to enhance their skills in this area. 

During the Summer Term, a group of pupils from Years 3 to 6 had the opportunity to attend an Art Attack morning at Pondarddulais Comprehensive School. Throughout this engaging event, the children participated in a diverse array of artistic activities, exploring various media. They engaged in resist painting, 3D sculpture, and sketching, while concentrating on essential elements such as colour, form, shape, line, pattern, and texture, thereby enhancing their creative skills.

Our next steps:

• To continue to develop and improve standards in music across LPS.
• To provide training in Charanga to all members of staff.
• To link Charanga to LPS Learning Projects.