How could expressive arts sessions relate to the four purposes of the curriculum?



How could expressive arts sessions relate to the four purposes of the curriculum (Donaldson, 2015)?

Expressive arts, an area of learning and experience within the new curriculum, consists of art and design, music, dance and drama. There may be the inclusion of film, media or ‘wider creative aspects such as improvisation’ (Meehan, 2015) The subjects contribute to all four purposes of the curriculum for children to become ‘ambitious, capable learners, enterprising, creative contributors, ethical, informed citizens and healthy, confident individuals.’ (Welsh Government, 2018) Through the sessions pupils can ‘express their feelings and emotions, discover and develop their personal, social, cultural identity, learn to recognise and value their culture locally, nationally and globally.’ (Education Scotland, 2018) The Welsh Government has changed the way the curriculum is delivered in Wales and has emphasised more of an importance towards expressive arts amongst core subjects such as Maths, English and Science.

Expressive arts sessions in primary school encourages children to have more creative appreciation, develop artistic and performance skills and identify their own personal or cultural identity which link to one purpose of the new curriculum to create ‘enterprising, creative contributors.’ (Newman, 2016) Successful Futures (2015) report state a great importance of creativity being enriched in the classroom and therefore sessions should promote more opportunities for children to explore thinking and be able to experience areas which they cannot access outside of school. (Dauncey, 2015) Donaldson has described the importance of children being able to communicate ideas and engage in thinking therefore sessions may also include challenges where they can work independently and collaboratively. A strategy to develop children into enterprising and creative contributors. (Meehan, 2015) Secondly, expressive art sessions can encourage pupils to explore beyond the classroom or task, face new challenges and strive to improve their performances. The children’s deeper understanding on how to improve and thrive is important for self-reflection and produces ambitious, capable learners. (Meehan, 2015) The new digital framework which has been introduced across the curriculum has pushed students to use technology as a tool to enhance expressive arts lessons and allow a deeper exploration into understanding the digital world.  

Thirdly, to produce ethical and informed citizens, the sessions provided are thought to enable children to understand their own personal and cultural identity and to discover complex and difficult issues. (Meehan, 2015) Schools can facilitate children’s discovery of their own personal identity by involving the children in Welsh traditions that may be happening around the country. Examples include Eisteddfod or St. Davids Day. On the other hand, children can explore other cultural identities through expressive arts by learning the background to another culture in sessions and then improve their knowledge by having school trips, celebrating an international event at the school or a performance to educate other primary classes. Lastly, expressive art sessions can link to shaping healthy and confident individuals by building their ability to learn new skills and using their knowledge effectively to gain their confidence. The sessions also assist them with building resilience and creative expression, linking to boosting their health. (Meehan, 2015) Successful participation in sessions can encourage pupils to develop their ‘self-discipline, determination and commitment’ which links to forming self-confident individuals. (Education Scotland, 2006, p.6)

Thus, expressive arts sessions can relate to the four purposes of the curriculum in different ways through good planning by teachers to offer opportunities for children and a clear guideline placed by the curriculum to ensure lessons are beneficial and excelling pupils learning.




References:
Dauncey, M. (2015) ‘Donaldson Review: The ‘purposes’ and content of a Curriculum for Wales.’ Available at: https://seneddresearch.blog/2015/03/17/donaldson-review-the-purposes-and-content-of-a-curriculum-for-wales/ (Accessed: 10/04/18)
Education Scotland (2006) ‘A Curriculum for Excellence: building the curriculum 1’, The contribution of curriculum areas. Crown.
Education Scotland (2018) Expressive Arts. Available at: https://education.gov.scot/parentzone/learning-in-scotland/curriculum-areas/Expressive%20arts (Accessed: 11/04/18)
Meehan, J. (2015) The Expressive Arts are proposed as one of six areas of ‘learning and experience’ in Professor Donaldson’s Review of the Education Curriculum in Wales. Available at: https://www.conwyartsandmusic.org.uk/en/updates/2015-03-03-the-expressive-arts-are-proposed-as-one-of-six-areas-of-learning-and-experience-in-professor-donaldsons-review-of-the-education-curriculum-in-wales (Accessed:10/04/18)
Newman, M. (2016) ‘A new approach to curriculum in Wales’ Available at: https://socedassoc.files.wordpress.com/2016/12/a-new-approach-to-curriculum-in-wales.pdf (Accessed:12/04/18)
Richens, F. (2015) Wales to put arts at the heart of the curriculum. https://www.artsprofessional.co.uk/news/wales-put-arts-heart-curriculum (Accessed: 09/04/18)
Welsh Government (2018) New School Curriculum. Available at: http://gov.wales/topics/educationandskills/schoolshome/curriculuminwales/curriculum-for-wales-curriculum-for-life/?lang=en (Accessed: 11/04/18)

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