Starting the day with arts activities

What were the outcomes?

Of the eight pupils in the research study cohort, the programme of arts activities had a significant effect on six. One of those who did not respond had deep-rooted negative attitudes to school and learning. The other child was absent frequently due to illness and a family holiday.

The remaining six pupils showed development in different ways. Although it was not easy to track improvements in testing scores for all of them, all had improved attitudes to work and concentrated better. They also showed improved skills in at least some of the arts areas, in particular rhythm and observational drawing.

Different arts sessions clearly inspired specific children to concentrate more and be more motivated. In lessons directly after the activity, they produced improved work and participated more.

The project boosted the self-confidence of two of the year 6 pupils in the sample. Their skills improved visibly and both were inspired to enjoy and participate more fully in lessons. They, along with the other pupils, looked forward to the arts session each day and would quickly enquire with worried faces if they thought a session was not going to go ahead. One boy's standard scores increased more markedly during the programme than in previous years. He also showed more pride in his work and matured. One girl seemed happier at school -- her mother indicated that it was much easier to get her to school in the morning and that she was much more enthusiastic about what she was doing.

It was clear that many children throughout the school benefited greatly from the activities.