Improving pupils' writing through drama

About the school

This infant school has 322 pupils aged 4 to 7 on roll. Its pupils are culturally and ethnically diverse -- well over half speak English as an additional language. There are 22 pupils on the school's special educational needs register and 29 are eligible for free school meals.

Last year's national curriculum results at key stage 1 were above the national average. In reading, 87% of pupils achieved level 2 and above; in writing and mathematics the figure was 93%; and in science it was 91%.

Arts in the school

The school's arts aims -- part of its whole school policy -- are:

• to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all children, which emphasises an arts entitlement for all;
• to provide a framework for teachers to teach creativity across the curriculum;
• to provide a wide range of learning opportunities in which children can experience an arts curriculum;
• to provide opportunities for staff to engage in relevant professional development;
• to support children's arts entitlement with suitable facilities in school.

All foundation stage and national curriculum subjects are covered through the school's schemes of work. This provision is enhanced with enrichment weeks and day projects (eg arts week and craft days). On average, weekly coverage of arts subjects on the timetable is 20%. This is supplemented by a range of out-of-hours clubs, such as recorder club and dance club. The school has strong links with local arts practitioners and holds Artsmark Gold.