Arts Council met with SLT to ask them about the arts at Sidegate

and why it is such an important part of our school. We look forward to hearing about their interview and what SLT had to say!

Q: Why do we do arts at Sidegate?

A: It's what makes Sidegate special. It's at the heart of what we do. It's the whole package of who we are as a school family. It inspires people and helps them follow their dreams. 

Q: What would you like to see change? 

A: I'd like to see us getting back to doing more extra-curricular activities and having artists in school again, now that the covid restrictions are lifted. I think we could expand our offer through virtual artists. It would be terrific to have an artist in residence!

Q: How can we make sure all children get an equal opportunity?

A: We make sure that all pupils get the arts through the school curriculum. Everybody is different so there needs to be equity, where all pupils are included. On top of this, pupils are given the choice to join extra-curricular clubs. If a child wants to be part of a club then it can be funded if this is a challenge. Clubs are offered before and after school as well as at lunchtime, to ensure that the timing of a club doesn't stop them from taking part. We make sure we are inclusive.

All the subjects are important and we know the arts help to develop people as learners and give them a sense of being successful.

This is what Cooper in Y3 noted from what Mrs. James, Mrs. Heaven, and, Mr. Ferrier had to say:

"We do arts at Sidegate because all the subjects are important, not just English and Maths but drama and music too. The arts at Sidegate are what makes our school unique.

Sidegate school without arts wouldn't make it as special as it could be. We, as a team at Sidegate, help people have opportunities to do things like sign up for extra-curricular clubs like choir, art, orchestra, and kit-car. When people do art it makes them feel free and feel like they can succeed. They said they want to re-start the staff choir. We think we should get back to having artists' workshops in school.  The arts also help to develop people. Finally, we have learned from Covid, that we can connect virtually with artists, and talk to them in real-time from all around the world."

Arts Council Meeting 17/03/22

At lunchtime on Thursday, Arts Council gathered in the wetroom eagerly anticipating their meeting with art ambassadors from Cedarwoods Primary. Although this was a virtual meeting, the pupils interacted brilliantly, asking questions and gleaning information about the arts in each others' schools. We came away with ideas and a plan to create a video tour of our school to share with them. ACS listened attentively and responded enthusiastically when sharing about the arts at Sidegate. We look forward to interacting with other schools soon.

No Ordinary Day!

Monday was no ordinary day at school! Year 5 was lucky enough to have a workshop with some people from the West End. We danced and sang with a member of the Ensemble (Chiarina) and had a music lesson with the Assistant Musical Director Peter Wollard.

I don’t think we danced the actual choreography from the show, that would have been a bit tricky. But the moves we learned were fun and it was great to hear a little bit about being part of the show. Chiarina explained that the show is very fast-paced and she could be a flying monkey one minute, a schoolgirl the next, and then someone from the Emerald City! That’s a lot of costume changes.

For me, the best part of the workshop was putting everything we had been taught together, it was amazing! I love performing and it reminded me of some of the shows I’ve been part of with PQA.

Later this week, as part of our Residential trip to London, we are going to see Wicked and I can’t wait. 

Bethany 

Jaguars