Expressive Arts
The capacity of Expressive Arts to enhance various aspects of the curriculum lies in their ability to teach children methods of self-expression and instill confidence in their abilities. A significant advantage of incorporating Expressive Arts into education is that children often produce tangible outcomes—be it a song, a dance, or a drawing—providing concrete evidence of their progress, something not always readily available in other curriculum domains.
Expressive Arts instill resourcefulness, imagination, and a range of transferable skills in children. Beyond the tangible outcomes, having a creative outlet also contributes immensely to mental health, fostering an environment of mutual respect for other creative pursuits. By participating in artistic activities through Expressive Arts, children not only develop a deeper understanding of their own and others' emotions but also acquire the tools to express these feelings in creative ways.
Furthermore, engaging with Expressive Arts leads learners to develop an appreciation for art and culture, both within their local context and globally. This is particularly significant in a country like Scotland, renowned for its rich cultural heritage in art and music.
ART
The curriculum for Art & Design at Kemnay Primary School is meticulously crafted to provide children with abundant opportunities to nurture their artistic talents and interests. Our aim is to offer a rich array of experiences, allowing students to proficiently use various tools in the creation of their artwork.
Class teachers guide the development of visual elements such as line, shape, space, tone, colour, pattern, texture, and form across different skills, including printing, drawing, painting, 3D objects, and the design process. Progress in these aspects is built upon throughout each school year.
Students delve into the exploration of diverse tools like paint, pastels, charcoal, pencils, pens, crayons, collage, and clay. These tools serve as vehicles for creating increasingly detailed and layered artwork as students advance through our school.
We foster a collaborative approach in Art education at Kemnay PS, encouraging students to actively contribute to the planning of their artistic learning experiences. Their interests are considered, and lessons are tailored to incorporate their desires to enhance skills with specific tools. Confidence in artistic abilities is nurtured by breaking down the design process into manageable stages. Discussions and reflections on how to further develop their work are integral, making it a collective effort to achieve the very best results.
The passion for Art is palpable throughout Kemnay PS, evident to anyone strolling through the school. Students' work is proudly displayed on the walls in all areas, showcasing the artistic achievements of our school community.
MUSIC
At Kemnay Primary School, we advocate for providing children with practical music sessions to enhance their knowledge and comprehension of music. Learners at all levels are introduced to diverse musical genres and actively engage in singing, listening, composing, and performing activities. They explore sounds and musical concepts, honing their vocal and instrumental skills while generating musical ideas and compositions. This active involvement fosters an awareness and understanding of the interrelated dimensions of music, including pitch, duration, tempo, timbre, structure, texture, and dynamics. It equips them to grasp the construction of music, utilizing this knowledge in their improvisations and compositions.
Listening activities encourage all learners to attentively listen, comment on various musical dimensions, and express their opinions on what they hear. First and second-level learners delve into basic music theory and are provided opportunities to enhance their performing skills on tuned percussion and ukulele. The Charanga online platform is employed as a teaching and learning tool to meticulously plan, deliver, and assess the music curriculum.
Our music curriculum aligns with the Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring that new skills build upon and extend those taught in previous year groups. Lessons encompass independent tasks, paired and group work, improvisation, teacher-led performances, elements of movement and dance, and connections with other areas of learning.
At Kemnay Primary School, we are dedicated to instilling in children an understanding of the value and significance of music. It serves as a means of personal expression and contributes significantly to each child's personal development. Moreover, it possesses a unique ability to bring people together. We aspire for children to depart Kemnay PS with fond memories of their musical experiences, fostering a desire to continue developing and enjoying their musical pursuits.
Drama
Drama provides learners with abundant chances to express creativity and derive inspiration and enjoyment. Engaging in creation and presentation holds significance for all learners. Their acting and presentation abilities are honed through involvement in both scripted and improvised drama. The exploration of real and imaginary scenarios aids learners in comprehending and expressing their world. Additionally, they enhance their ability to appreciate drama, deepen their knowledge, and broaden their understanding by evaluating technical elements and scripts, and providing commentary on their own work as well as the work of their peers.
Dance
Dance provides learners with ample opportunities to express creativity and find inspiration and joy. Creating and performing are fundamental activities for all learners, and participation in dance contributes to their physical education and overall physical activity. Learners refine their technical skills and the precision of their movements, utilizing imagination and expertise to craft and choreograph dance sequences. They continue to enhance their knowledge and understanding, as well as their ability to appreciate dance, by evaluating performances and offering commentary on both their own work and the work of their peers.
