Art

Overview

Rookery School’s principal aim is ensuring the development of the whole child, and enabling every child to achieve their full potential by nurturing their unique abilities and talents. We believe that children flourish in an environment that supports curiosity and discovery; that builds self-confidence and independence, and supports well-being. We know that the arts are central to achieving this which is why we have an outstanding broad and balanced curriculum rich in creative opportunities for children.

Throughout the academic year, dedicated creative projects allow children to apply their learning across subjects. All children have dedicated weekly sessions with a specialist teachers ensuring authenticity and access to consistent high quality art.

All year groups have opportunities throughout the year to visits from a variety of arts companies (eg. CBSO, Secret City Arts), and visits to live theatre, galleries and museums. (eg. The MAC, BMAG and the Rep)  The creative curriculum extends beyond the taught curriculum with extra-curricular opportunities in music, dance, drama and art which enable progression of pupils’ talents and skills clearly evidenced in pupils’ confident performances, creative writing and art. Opportunities to celebrate children’s achievements in the arts by involving parents and the wider community are integrated well into our curriculum and our special half-termly events are part of what make Rookery unique. Events are planned, organised and delivered by pupils in collaboration with their teachers, specialist staff and sometimes outside Arts agencies. They not only showcase pupils’ achievements in the arts, but also engage parents in the learning journey with workshops where parents can take part in activities led by the pupils. For example, at year three’s Ancient Greek event pupils  performed a play with songs written by them and then led workshops where parents made masks and instruments.

We have been awarded the Gold  Artsmark that has highlighted  our strengths of a creative cross-curricular approach and engaging parents through creative events, are further embedded and that areas identified for development are secured and that the school is celebrated for its work in the arts. We hope to ensure that pupils are involved in the planning and delivery of arts and cultural experiences to a greater extent by creating a school ‘Arts Council’. We have been working on alternative art forms such as videography, digital installations and public art.

We are currently working towards attaining the Platinum Artsmark which  will help us stay focused, committed, and transparent in our continued efforts to promote and celebrate the Arts.