Westdene Primary School & Nursery

Westdene was pleased to take part in the National Arts Festivcal organised nationally to encourage all schools and colleges across the UK to  showcase the artistic achievements of their students to celebrate the "vital role of the arts in our schools and colleges". Schools and colleges can take part by posting videos, recordings and images on Twitter using the hashtag #EduArtsFest.

“The festival is a chance to turn the page on bubbles, self-isolation, lateral flow tests and all the other jargon of the pandemic, and get back to the creativity and joy which forms such an important part of educating young people.”

Our fantastic Arts Festival Day  allowed students to nurture their creative side and enjoy a day of activities. There was an immersive experience with wolves in Reception to natural art in Year One to Van Gogh (including digital versions) in Year Two, to carnival masks & collage in Year Three, dance, drama and drawing in Year Four and music, mime and textiles, printing, sculpture and a workshop on how to be a DJ for different year groups in upper KS2.

It was an action-packed whirlwind of creative experiences; we even had a live musical finale outside so families could soak up the artistic atmosphere too. It was an absolute joy to behold everyone so engaged with creativity for the whole day and we were blown away by what the children have achieved. We had a wonderful day celbrating the Arts and capitalising on all that the discipline has to offer the children in their learning and development. 

Thanks to the Friends of Westdene who provide us with an additional budget to support this creativity in the curriculum.