The Arts (Music/Drama/Art/DT)
Art
In Art we want all pupils to produce creative, imaginative work. Pupils can explore their ideas and record their experiences, as well as exploring the work of others, and evaluate different creative ideas. We want our pupils to become confident and proficient in a variety of techniques including drawing, painting, sculpting as well as other selected craft skills, e.g. collage, printing, weaving and patterns. Pupils will also develop their knowledge of famous artists, designers and craft makers. We want pupils to develop their interest and curiosity about art and design and they will be encouraged to ask questions and demonstrate their skills in a variety of ways. The lessons are progressive and allow our pupils to develop their skills and abilities over the course of the time that they are with us. Artwork is displayed around the school and is used as part of the school’s Topic Showcase events.
Music/Drama
At The Stables Independent School, we want to inspire creativity and self-expression and encourage our pupils on their personal musical journeys as well as giving them opportunities to connect with others. We hope to foster a life-long love of music by exposing pupils to diverse musical experiences and igniting a passion for music. By listening and responding to different musical styles and finding their voices as singers, performers and composers, we aim to enable our pupils to become confident and reflective musicians.
All our pupils are encouraged to take part in a variety of performance events with a variety of roles and responsibilities on offer. Our pupils are also given the opportunity to develop their confidence through drama and role play, culminating in opportunities such as performing in the annual Christmas production tailored to the pupils and performed in front of an audience of invited guests.
Music is taught across the school using the Band Wagon which is a purpose-built vehicle containing a vast number of musical instruments, recording equipment and a DJ booth. The teacher is a specialist music teacher who is experienced in working with young people with complex needs. The pupils form groups, usually 2 or 3 pupils per group and they work together to learn how to play the instruments. They will progress on to playing and recording as a band. The Band Wagon is extremely popular with all the pupils and they look forward to Friday mornings when it is at the school.
Design Technology
We encourage pupils to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Design & Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. It can be found in many of the objects that pupils use each day and is a part of pupils’ immediate experiences.
Design & Technology encourages pupils to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At The Stables Independent School, the Design & Technology curriculum combines skills, knowledge, concepts and values to enable pupils to tackle real problems. It can improve analysis, problem solving, practical capability and evaluation skills. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing, outdoor learning and art.
Our pupils are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers. We believe that high quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and wellbeing of the nation. Work is often displayed as part of the school’s Topic Showcase events.
