Enrich your topics with short-burst projects
Schools can now sample Artis’ passion for creative learning by choosing from a new menu of more than 25 specially designed short-burst primary projects.
From drumming and traditional dance in Africa to the myths of the Ancient Greeks, from the science of magnets to tackling pollution on the planet, each project fires students’ imaginations. From the first minute an Artis Specialist appears, performing in character, the children are off on a journey of creativity and learning. It’s fun, enjoyable and every project on the menu links with the current national curriculum or government priorities.
Commenting on the Primary Projects Menu, Artis Chief Executive Rebecca Boyle (Buzz), said:
“This is a new service and reflects the demand we’ve had from schools for shorter, one-off one or two day projects. The menu will run alongside our longer-term engagements, where Artis Specialists work regularly with a school for a year or more.
“We recognise that, for many schools, committing to continuing provision from us can be a big step. Or perhaps a school wants to work with us for a single event, such as an Arts Day. These bite-size tasters allow schools to experience an Artist Specialist and see how they stimulate creative thought and learning through music, dance and drama. Project work can be a forerunner to a longer partnership with us, a yearly event, or simply an occasional addition to the school’s programme.”
Artis can adapt each primary project on the menu to meet a school’s specification. Professional Services Coordinator Mellissa Morgan (Bop), who created the Primary Project Menu, explains more:
“We know each school is unique, so before a project takes place, an assigned Artist Specialist consults with the school to find out if there are particular themes or ideas they want highlighted. We are also open to developing new project ideas; we see our project menu as something that will grow and evolve, staying fresh and reflecting current trends in the national curriculum. I’m confident we’ll always have something new to choose from!”
Clapham Manor Primary School in Lambeth, south London, has already benefited from the Artis project approach. In September they worked with Artis Specialist Stuart Barter (Chime) who was kept on his toes over two days, providing differentiated creative learning for each year group. He said:
“It was great fun, and showed how Artis’ work adapts to all age groups. I went from singing a song about the Hungry Caterpillar in the nursery, to drama with Year Six students studying Healthy Living, helping them create adverts for fruit.”
The response from Clapham Manor Primary shows the project sessions were a huge success with both children and staff. Susie Keddie, Year Three teacher and Gifted and Talented Coordinator, commented:
“The opportunity for the children to work with a professional performing artist is rewarding for them, and rewarding to see too. Music, drama and dance add a vibrancy and energy to curriculum topics, tapping into creativity that feeds back into later classroom work, for example in story writing.
“Our experience with Stuart (Chime) was positive, reflecting not only his own talents as a performer but the high standards of training each Artist Specialist undergoes. Using his well-planned and age-appropriate sessions, Stuart (Chime) worked well with all children, including those with challenging behaviour, making sure everyone could take part.”
Staff needn’t miss the action either, as Artis also has a series of project workshops aimed at teachers and teaching assistants, including: Everyone Can Sing, Literacy through Drama, Using Percussion Instruments and Playground Games. These staff workshops make a welcome addition to INSET days or continuous professional development, ensuring Artis is offering something for everyone.
For more information about the Artis Primary Project Menu or to book a project for your school contact Emma Adams (Whoosh) at whoosh@artiseducation.com or on 0870 863 6494.