There is a reason why we have been awarded the GOLD Artsmark by the Arts Council, so we wanted to update you on what we are currently doing in school, since we received the award.
Lots of exciting things happening in the arts since we returned from Christmas. Read on to find out more!
Mystery Art
Year 5 have been busy in Art & Design. What do you think their end product will be?
Stage 1:
Stage 2:
Any guesses what they’re making?
Watch this space to find out more!
A visit to the Sheldonian Theatre
As part of our commitment to ensuring access to the creative arts for all, teachers nominated children from their classes to attend the Oxfordshire Schools’ Concert, hosted by Oxfordshire Music Service and the Oxfordshire County Youth Orchestra. Ten children were identified as those who would particularly enjoy and benefit from the opportunity to experience live music performance in their city’s most iconic theatre.
Appetites were whetted immediately as baby Yoda and a stormtrooper were spotted tuning up! The anticipation was palpable as the opening notes of John Williams’ Star Wars theme rang around the building. We tapped our feet to the guitar-like Espana by Chabrier, before being introduced to the Oxfordshire Brass Ensemble and – curiously – a hosepipe moonlighting as an instrument.
The children were transfixed by the talents of musicians not much older than them and were excited to have their chance to take part in a body percussion activity with optional beatbox (the staff had rather more difficulty with this than the children!). From there we witnessed a bravura performance by beatboxer Alessandro MacKinnon-Botti, who truly wowed us with his award-winning Concerto for Beatboxer and Orchestra. His skills were described by one of our children as “not quite human” while another summed it up quite succinctly: “well. That was AMAZING”.
We believe strongly at Mary and John in the importance of a well-rounded experience in the creative arts, and are pleased to offer a wide range of events and experiences. If your child would like to learn a musical instrument but you are experiencing financial barriers, Mrs Farnsworth would be pleased to talk to you and signpost opportunities for financial support for instrument hire and/or tuition.
Mrs Farnsworth – Music Lead
Keeeeep Dancing!
52 children have been giving up their lunch times to learn a dance to represent our school in the Oxfordshire Schools Dance Festival. The children will be performing at the New Theatre on Monday 27th January. We invited parents and carers in for a sneak peak. Mrs Rani’s Bollywood Club also performed. We have some super talented dancers at SSMJ!
Poetry Café
At the end of a writing unit, Year 2 hold a café. The children share their star writes and have juice and biscuits. Their most recent writing was an innovation of the poem The Owl and The Pussy cat. The children give 2 stars and a wish after sharing with each other. It is something they really enjoy!
Mrs Godby, YR & KS1 Assistant Head
