Posted on: June 8th 2018
What a month it has been for the expressive arts at Norfolk House! We have had some wonderful examples of children from Infant Community to Form 6 engaging with and enjoying creative activity. The curriculum at Norfolk House ensures children have regular opportunities to develop their skills in art, music and drama and can apply these to express themselves.
Nursery and Reception children have a weekly Forest School session led by Miss Matthews, our trained Forest School teacher, where areas from the EYFS curriculum can be explored in an outdoor environment using natural materials. Imaginative play and drama, music and visual art are all regular foci during these creative sessions.
Children in Forms 1 to 6 have dedicated art lessons where they develop the skills and techniques to express themselves and also build an impressive knowledge of different artists, their lives and inspirations. Our recent parent-pupil art event was a testament to the children’s understanding of a range of artists and their own creative talent. Children from Infant Community to Form 6 studied different artists and created their own pieces in the style of their chosen artist. The event was very well attended and the feedback from staff and parents, about the impressive art on display, was excellent. It really showcased the level of creativity and skill progression that the children have developed through their regular art lessons.
The highlight of this week for me was accompanying the Form 6 children to the Royal Albert Hall to perform alongside 2,000 other children from across Haringey. The children had worked incredibly hard during music lessons in preparation for this event and it was crucial for all of them to do their part. With only one rehearsal as a whole 2,000 student choir before the actual performance, the children understood the responsibility to do their best and listen to the directions from Peter Desmond. All the hard work to join in four-part harmonies and get their timing precise paid off and the end result was absolutely breathtaking. Being part of such a fantastic event in such an iconic venue was certainly a very proud moment for the Form 6 children and their teachers.
We really value the creative curriculum at Norfolk House and all of these events are a small part of our ongoing focus on the expressive arts. We aim to provide a rich and varied education and help our children develop creativity and balance.
