Expressive Arts
Expressive Arts in Junior School
Expressive
arts in our Junior School encompasses a diverse range of
creative disciplines, such as music, visual arts, and drama fostering a
holistic approach to education.
The Impact of Specialist Art Teaching in Junior School Education
My Life as a Specialist Art Teacher in the Junior School at St George’s
By Lorna Grey, Specialist Art Teacher, Junior School
As a specialist in teaching art, I have always been passionate about the importance of creativity in a child’s education, particularly when introduced from an early age. Starting in primary
school, children develop essential skills in observation and self-expression that lay the foundation for their academic and personal growth. The earlier they begin engaging with artistic processes, the more confidence and enthusiasm they build, allowing them to explore creativity freely and develop an interest in art.
Art education in primary school not only allows children to express themselves but also helps them develop essential problem-solving skills. Seeing them engage with materials and develop their skills in a supportive setting is incredibly rewarding.
“Some girls really respond well to an art environment and need that.”
Art is offered in the curriculum at all levels throughout the school and lessons in some years are delivered by an art specialist. Art club is a popular choice in our activities programme.
Music is a core component of life in our Edinburgh Junior School, and we take pride in making it inclusive and practical for everyone, regardless of experience. We have our own music facilities and access to our renowned Robertson Music Centre. With two weekly music lessons taught by dedicated Junior School music teachers, each class enjoys a comprehensive music education.
The Junior School Music specialist teacher introduces all students to the excitement and challenges of the subject, providing students with the skills they need to create and understand the language of music.
Ensembles in the Junior School include:
- Primary Strings (P4-P5)
- Junior School Choir (P3-P5)
- Junior School Guitar Ensemble (P3-5)
- Junior School Recorder Group (P4-P5)
Girls can also take individual music lessons and learn one or more musical instruments to explore and develop their musical abilities further and taster lessons are made available to all students.
A range of instruments are used for music making in lessons and Music Play software is available to children to develop their skills in using music technology.
Performance opportunities include Performance
Platforms, musicals in each year group, Junior School Winter and Summer
Concerts and more.
Read our students' accounts of recent music events:
The Junior School Winter Concert set the stage for our upcoming festive musical celebrations. The event showcased the talent of young musicians across various ensembles, including Primary 1 and 2 Singers, Magic Maestros, String Orchestra, Recorder Ensemble, Rock Band, Guitar Ensemble, Musical Theatre, and Junior School Choir. Read the full story.
Drama is offered in the curriculum at all levels throughout the school and lessons are delivered by a drama specialist. Musical theatre is a popular choice in our activities programme. In Junior School lessons develop basic skills in role play and characterisation encouraging pupils to reflect on the world around them through the situations they are in and the roles they play.
