Professional Development

Using folk music, dance and drama to enhance learning in schools

"Really clear, informative and inspirational day packed full of ideas and supportive resources. Great attention to detail!"
Attendee

One day courses for teachers, educators and artists

In each of the nine English regions in 2014 we hosted a professional development training day for teachers, musicians, dancers and other educators interested in how folk arts can be used in schools. Each course shared material developed through The Full English learning programme in schools with each one having a unique regional flavour and special focus (eg dance, storytelling, drama, SEN).
 

The courses aimed to:

• Demonstrate the use of folk music / dance / drama to enhance learning in the school curriculum - in arts and other curriculum subjects such as English and history

• Evidence the value of folk music / dance / drama in the arts curriculum – in performance, composition and listening

• Introduce freely available online learning resources – background notes, lesson plans, outline units of work at all key stages and in different subject areas

• Create familiarity with The Full English digital archive of folk manuscripts - including material from the appropriate local region

• Share the folk arts work taking place in local schools as part of The Full English

• Provide networking opportunities - with cultural organisations, schools, teachers and artists working with folk arts

Comments from attendees

"Lots of great ideas and confidence to try something new."

"Thanks to all the staff and delegates involved for being great ambassadors of the folk arts [and] knowledgeable, passionate, organised and friendly. It's been an inspirational day. Thanks very much!"

All great! Very inspiring and full of ideas, thank you."