Art, Design & Technology and Music
Art provides children with the opportunity to express themselves imaginatively and creatively, in a way that is unique to us all. It contributes to the development of the whole child emotionally, socially and cognitively.
At Risley Avenue, children are encouraged and taught to become visual and emotional thinkers through drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, design, music and drama. The arts are clearly embedded in our creative curriculum. This enables children to learn the part that the Arts play in the lives of others, in History and different cultures, and how it contributes to the creativity of our world.
Art
Vision and Rationale
Our Art curriculum engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. This is evident throughout the walls in our school.
Art fosters a sense of personal achievement. Everyone can achieve in the Arts at Risley. These skills provide access to other areas of the curriculum and help develop motor skills, language development and decision-making. The acquisition of good basic Art skills will encourage your child to use their imagination in ways that will enrich their whole lives for now and the future.
Design & Technology
Vision and Rationale
Our Design & Technology curriculum aims to inspire pupils to be innovative and creative thinkers who have an appreciation for the product design cycle through idealisation, creation, and evaluation. We want pupils to develop the confidence to take risks, through drafting design concepts, modelling, and testing and to be reflective learners who evaluate their work and the work of others.
We use the Kapow scheme of work for both Art and Design & Technology. This programme of study works in partnership with Artsmark and is able to support us on our continued Artsmark journey, inspiring children and young people to create, experience, and participate in great arts.
Music
Vision and Rationale
Our music programme is enriched by a range of prestigious affiliations and achievements, including international piano examination successes with ABRSM and Trinity College London. We are an official Trinity College piano examination centre and a recognised participant in the Lang Lang International Music Foundation’s Keys of Inspiration (KOI) programme. In addition, we are proud partners of the Leeds International Piano Competition and have taken part in the Steinway Piano Competition.
Our music curriculum focuses on high-quality teaching, collaborative learning and a practical approach that nurtures musical creativity in every child. It is expressive, dynamic and engaging, motivating pupils to develop their musical skills and knowledge through singing, learning instruments and performing in ensembles.
We aim to build confidence and self-esteem through performance, while also incorporating elements of drama, musical history and an understanding of cultures from around the world. Through this, children develop key life skills such as patience, teamwork, respect and appreciation for others.
Our programme supports personalised learning and provides strong opportunities for differentiation. Pupils are exposed to a wide range of musical genres and styles from different periods and cultures, with meaningful links made across the wider curriculum, including History, P.E. and PSHE. There are also opportunities for creative expression through dance, songwriting, exploring popular music themes and engaging in interactive musical activities.
