The Arts

The Arts (Drama, Dance, Music and Art)

We believe that the arts should be central to a well-rounded education. We provide a range of integrated experiences, carefully planned to fit in with topics, which give a dynamic focus for the pupils’ learning. We integrate the arts into the teaching of other subjects and find that this not only enhances pupils’ enjoyment but leads to better outcomes for all.  The arts have the power to inspire, inform, stimulate, challenge and entertain.

We have a shared vision: we appreciate and value the way that performing arts and visual arts can help children to develop their imagination and improve their self-esteem.

Participation in the Arts is a therapeutic experience, allowing children to develop their imagination and curiosity.  Performing arts improves physical coordination and well-being, whilst visual arts teaches children to observe, reflect, make judgements and assess.

We believe that the arts have a special place within the curriculum in helping all children to achieve their full potential. Our schools have developed their own creative cross-curricular contextualised approach which enables all pupils to make connections across their learning. The four strands of the Arts, are valued in long term and medium term planning.

Within the curriculum pupils have the opportunity to work with artists over a broad range of specialisms.

One of our main aims as a school is to promote children’s enjoyment of art by establishing a working partnership with artists. Visits to the school have developed the children’s enthusiasm and love of the arts.

We encourage pupils to play musical instruments and percussion instruments and arrange for peripatetic music teachers to come in to school when it is requested.

Parents and families are invited into our schools to celebrate the children’s successes, for example at open evenings, Christmas performance productions and end of year, leavers’ events.

Subject Leaders 2021-2022

Watton Westfield – Art & Design – Roxanne Murty, DT – Emily Williams, Music – Claire Wiltshire
Watton Junior School – Art & Design – Lisa Roast, DT – Jodie Clark, Music – Louise Turner
Manor Field Infant & Nursery and Aslacton Primary – Art & Design and DT – Louise Mundford, Music – Jess Stanley Jones