July 1999
‘Out of Africa’ was the second
Key Stage 3 Arts Week at Theale Green, a designated Community School and Arts College.
During the week of July 5th – 9th, students at Key Stage 3
had their timetable suspended in order to create time for a study of African art
and culture.
Students were led by African artists
working alongside creative arts staff from the school in the areas of visual art, music,
dance and drama. The daily workshops in these four areas culminated in a performance
day on the Friday, when the school launched its own ‘Womad’ festival
of music and dance for all students. A news team produced a daily newspaper
featuring events, reviews and information on the week, and this information has also been
posted on this website for a somewhat wider audience!
The general consensus from staff,
students and visiting artists was that the week had been a very educational and enjoyable
experience. Everyone came away with a much better appreciation and clearer perception of
the rich and varied arts of Africa.
The week marked the end of the second
year of Arts College status at Theale Green, and was only one event in a series of
initiatives that have raised the status of creative arts in the curriculum. Other
developments have included the Masterclass programme of weekend cross-arts activities for
the most able, the employment of dancers and artists-in-residence to enhance the
curricular provision in the school and the extension of facilities in all
departments, including ICT in art and design and a second purpose- built drama
studio.
