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.
Implementation
The MAPS and Design curriculum at Larwood is based on the National Curriculum’s knowledge progression, combined with our skills-based MAPS programme and links to topic work. This structured approach helps children develop creativity and mastery in key areas such as drawing, painting, printing, textiles, and sculpture.
MAPS stands for Music, Art and Performance Skills. It’s a year-long, cross-curricular programme focused on building creative arts skills, ending in a final musical theatre performance.
Year 6 pupils have weekly creative arts lessons every Monday afternoon. These lessons are inspired by a range of West End musicals, and pupils also get the chance to see a live West End show in London.
The MAPS curriculum gives pupils hands-on experience of preparing for a performance and developing skills in:
- Art and Textiles
- Music, drumming, and music technology
- Dance and drama (linked to PE)
- As well as elements of Geography, English, and Design & 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?
