INTENT

At Larwood, we consider the creative arts an important part of exploring the world in a creative and imaginative way. Our Music and performance skills curriculum ensures pupils at Larwood can communicate in a creative way through movement, expression, art and music. Our curriculum is tailored to suit our pupils individual needs and differentiated at greater depth; where every pupil can be successful.

The skills they will acquire are designed so that they can be applied to the cross-curricular topics. The children can use these art skills to enhance their topics and investigate learning at greater depth.

It is critical that as a means of expression, the children’s artwork is purposeful. We ensure the children are clear of the intended outcomes and have ways to measure their work against this. In MAPS, we intend for the children to be reflective in evaluating their work and the work of others.

IMPLENTATION 

The implementation of the MAPS and Design curriculum at Larwood is drawn from the knowledge progression set out in the National Curriculum combined with a skills-based MAPS curriculum and links to our topics to ensure a well-structured approach. This provides the children with the opportunity to express their creativity alongside providing opportunities to develop mastery in the key processes: drawing, painting, printing, textiles and sculpture. MAPS (Music, Art and Performance Skills) is a year-long, cross-curricular approach to developing skills in the creative arts which will culminate in a final musical theatre performance. The Year Six pupils participate in creative art lessons each week on a Monday afternoon. The lessons are based around a number of West End musicals, with Year 6 travelling to London to watch a West End show. The MAPS curriculum allows pupils to gain experience of working towards a performance piece as well as the skills that build up to a show including Art and Textiles, Music, drumming and Music Technology, Physical Education through dance and drama as well as some additional knowledge of Geography, English, and Design and Technology.

Lessons involve studying relevant musicals before focussing on a particular musical from where the learning evolves. They build on the key skills and create a journey before completing a final piece which is performed to the whole school. Children are given constructive feedback and further opportunities for evaluation and improvement are planned for to ensure the skills continue to develop. Evidence?

This approach to implementation ensures a clear and comprehensive scheme of work which demonstrates progression in knowledge and skills by the end of year 6.

IMPACT

As a result of the high quality MAPS curriculum the use of a full range of resources will increase the profile of art in the school. The learning environment will remain consistent throughout the school and community as we want to ensure art is loved by pupils and teachers. An integral part of the MAPS curriculum at Larwood is for the children to understand what it means to be an ‘artist’.

The productions that the children do, allow them to showcase their musical skills through singing and playing instruments to also developing their drama. Overall, their eyes are opened to a wealth of music. Music will also develop an understanding of culture and history, both in relation to students individually, and ethnicities from across the world. Children are able to enjoy music, in as many ways as they choose - either as listener, creator or performer

The impact is measured through:

• Assessing the record of progress and depth of learning through DOL.
• Assessing children’s understanding through pupil conferencing with the subject lead.
• Images and performance work of children’s practical learning. 

And again how do you evidence their work and progress? Annual report etc?