The innovative introduction of The Art of Writing and “Writedance” in EYFS brings with it early and strong emphasis on the acquisition of gross and fine motor skills, helping the development of hand/eye co-ordination resulting in good manual dexterity and body confidence.
Pupils at Merton Court enjoy lessons in dance (in our purpose-built Dance Studio) and music as part of their timetable and take part in several performances throughout the year. In addition to this, children have the opportunity to attend a variety of dance-based clubs, such as ballet and tap, Irish dancing and musical theatre. During these lessons, the children develop skills such as co-ordination, rhythm, muscle awareness and poise. Through all dance lessons at school, children gain self-esteem whilst developing their confidence and sense of performance.
Form music lessons are weekly and children who enjoy singing are also invited to join one of the school choirs, both of which participate in the annual Bromley Festival of Music with regular success. The school also holds its own Festivals of Dance, Drama, Music and Speech to promote participation in creative arts. Year 6 instrumentalists are given the opportunity to showcase there talents in school assemblies and end of year production. Individual instrument and voice tuition is available on request.
Merton Court is proud of the creative arts taught at the school.
Every year group across the school is involved in a musical production at some point in the academic year. Christmas sees the nativity brought to life in different ways by Early Years, J1(Reception) and J2 and J3 (Years 1 and 2). In the Summer academic year culminates in a grand musical production by the Senior School (S4, S3, S2 & S1)
Merton Court has also arranged for very special productions at the Orchard and Churchill Theatres in 1999, 2005, 2010 and 2015 to celebrate milestones in the life of the school – events presented with enthusiasm and professionalism by all the pupils and staff involved.
Art & Design/ Design & Technology
In Art & Design pupils at Merton Court construct both visually and physically to bring their imagination to life whether it is by recreating history using contemporary photographs or by piecing together mosaics through to sculpting from clay.
Children are given the opportunity to express themselves with all different mediums by showing their emotions and reflections to the piece of art in question. In both Art & Technology Design, the creative processes can be applied to all areas outside of the subjects, helping pupils to gain an understanding of construct, discipline and finishing, as well as aesthetics.
Links Outside School
The Art Department maintains its excellent relationship with the outer community. We are active participants in the yearly Christmas Tree Festival at St John’s Church, Sidcup – where our tree was awarded a prize last year for being one of the best-dressed trees in town!
We also support the ‘Sidcup Town Partnership’ by providing art work for dressing up shop windows during festivals, e.g. St George’s Day (2015), Chinese New Year (2016) or setting up a fitting backdrop for the Sidcup Pageant in June, 2016.
Art Competitions
Our school participates in the ISA London(South) Art Competition every summer. In 2019, our school won 1st prize in the regional competition in the Fashion category. The winning entry was a summer dress made from recycled materials designed by one of our Year 6 pupils. The same dress was then awarded 2nd prize at the ISA National Competition, which we are immensely proud of.
