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Scoil Eoghain - An Assessment of Arts Education

Posted Monday, October 4, 2010

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Visual Arts

Lessons observed in the Visual Arts were good.

The teachers demonstrated a very positive attitude to the subject and the pupils were encouraged to explore materials and tools and create effectively.

Most teachers organised that the pupils worked in a careful manner and all encouraged co-operation and group interaction.

All teachers maintained simple portfolios of the pupils’ work including, in some instances, photographic records of construction work and clay.

This is good practice. Many teachers integrate the Visual Arts very effectively with other curriculum areas, particularly SESE.

Music

The quality of teaching and learning in Music is good overall.

Lessons observed were well structured and suitably challenging.

The pupils sing a repertoire of simple unison songs well and enjoy opportunities to improvise using percussion instruments.

In one senior classroom there are good efforts paid to the dynamics of singing.

While some teachers use pitched instruments in teaching singing, it is advised that all teachers do so.

Music is integrated well with other curriculum areas.

The use of a commercial textbook series aids consistency to the provision for exploring sound, listening to music and music literacy.

To enhance provision for Music, it is advised that an agreed school plan for Music is devised and implemented.

Drama

The lessons observed in Drama were successful: lesson content was appropriate and the pupils were co-operative and well-behaved.

Teachers utilise drama devices to good effect including whole-class role play, teacher in role, hot seating, frozen pictures, conscience alley and thought tracking.

The teachers create a safe environment successfully for the making of drama.

However, it is advised that a drama contract is agreed in every classroom.

Some teachers use props very effectively.

For example, in one lesson pupils used various hats to assist them in taking on roles.

It is advised that each teacher augments his or her store of dramatic props.

There is good integration of Drama with other subjects especially English and SESE.

To enhance provision in this subject, teachers are encouraged to explore the curriculum exemplars and activities, and to be
mindful of the prerequisites for making drama and the elements of Drama as outlined in the curriculum.