Expressive Arts
The ability to think and express creatively contributes enormously to the development of the whole child: emotionally, aesthetically, physically, socially and cognitively.
We want to ignite our pupils’ imagination, give them the confidence to express themselves and to better understand the world around them.
At Ibstock, Expressive Arts are embedded into the Curriculum with many further Co-Curricular options also available. Whilst there is much collaboration between all the Arts, we divide them into three departments: Art and Design & Technology, Music and Creative Arts.
Art and Design & Technology
Pupils are encouraged to view their Art and Design & Technology lessons beyond the learning of technical skills as the process of looking; organising; thinking; wondering; questioning; imagining; communicating and enjoyment.
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Art lessons provide all children with the opportunity to express themselves imaginatively, creatively and develops their understanding of the world around them. Pupils are exposed to many sensory experiences whilst exploring a vast range of media, artists and cultures. |
By exploring why art is relevant to all our lives, we aim to make certain that pupils feel entitled to develop their creativity, and understand their place in the world as creative, confident beings.
Design and Technology involves two important elements: learning about the design world and how things work and learning to design and make functional products for purposes and users. Children work independently and in groups, learning to co-operate, plan, design and make and evaluate their work.
Timetable
Art and Design & Technology are generously timetabled and taught in a dedicated Art studio. The terms are split into the following directive teaching across the whole Pre-Prep & Prep School.
- Autumn Term: Fine Art
- Spring Term: Design & Technology
- Summer Term: Collaborative projects and 'Arts Week' culminating in 'The Art Show'
Music
We offer a wide-ranging programme of musical education for all pupils, from the beginner to the most advanced performer. We aim to foster a love and enjoyment of music and performing and to make music accessible to all pupils.
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Pupils from Prep 3 to 6 have one hour of music lessons a week. Lessons are centred around physically exploring music through movement, as well as exploring sound through listening, composing, improvising and performing. Developing singing voices and instrumental skills as a class, helps our pupils develop self-esteem, communication skills, expressiveness and creativity. |
Our musicians are encouraged to practice there performance skills just as much as their instruments and voices, so we provide as many opportunities as possible to gain experience in front of an audience. Platforms range from Assemblies, Teatime Concerts, Autumn and Summer Concerts, to special events like the Carol Service and the Roehampton Community Street Band.
Co-Curricular Music Activities
| Music Ensembles | ||||||||||||||||||
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Alongside the curriculum, we offer a wide range of musical ensembles and choirs. Our philosophy is that music is a social enterprise and one which should be shared with others. Therefore we try to accommodate all instrument types and standards of musician in one of our many ensembles.
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| Individual Music Lessons | ||||||||||||||||||
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We have a team of over fifteen visiting music teachers who cater for all orchestral instruments, as well as piano, electric guitar, drums and singing (both classical, pop and musical theatre). There has been much research to show that music lessons have a disproportionately positive impact on academic attainment as well as being a lifelong source of enjoyment. We encourage as many pupils as possible to take up an instrument. |
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| The Strings Scheme | ||||||||||||||||||
| The Prep School runs an extremely successful Strings Scheme, overseen by the Head of Strings. From Prep 2, pupils can start having individual lessons on the violin or cello, and are also invited to join a string ensemble. Each year their ensemble progresses from beginner through to the Prep Strings Orchestra made up of string scheme pupils in Prep 5 and 6. There is also the opportunity for our more experienced string players to play in quartets or trios. |
Creative Arts
All pupils receive one hour a week of Creative Arts which includes Dance and Drama. Every lesson is practical and collaborative, enabling pupils to develop their transferrable skills including communication, teamwork, and leadership.
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Pupils are taught the skills needed for choreographing dance and devising drama, encouraging them to think creatively. Specialist Dance lessons where pupils can concentrate on a particular style, are part of our Co-Curricular offering. Pupils are also taught Performing Skills for a variety of styles and genres to help in preparation for Showcases and Plays. |
Explore our Prep School
