Thinking creatively about creativity

Jenny Stratton, Deputy Head at Westdene Primary School, in Brighton, has compiled a case study detailing how the school approached arts education during COVID-19.

With input and support from colleagues, Jenny takes us through Westdene’s journey, from the first lockdown, to future plans for the school to further improve their already outstanding arts and cultural teaching. 

Putting arts and culture at the heart of learning meant that pupils continued to have a dynamic curriculum through creative activities which were linked to other school subjects, whilst also shortening the amount of time the students would spend looking at a screen. 

Of their move to remote learning, Jenny wrote: ​“During the two lockdowns, we viewed it as imperative to offer our pupils their entitlement to a rich cultural and creative curriculum which would underpin both their academic progress and support their mental well-being. We quickly appointed a leader of remote digital learning, and this enabled us to ensure consistency and quality of experience across the school. Art, Music and French continued to be taught every week alongside core subjects, and our Forest School continued to work with Key Worker children throughout the school closure period.” 

Despite learning being remote, Westdene also continued to give their students time to share their artwork with their fellow pupils, and experience and learn about new cultures through cultural enrichment days.