The Arts Mark gold was presented to the school in recognition of its development in four key areas.
Music is a strong and important element in the curriculum at Farnley Tyas First School. Class 2 has a dedicated music lesson delivered by a professional music teacher from Kirklees Musica to teach children how to play a brass instrument. In addition, each class has a dedicated weekly singing lesson led by a professional choir leader again through Kirklees Musica and singing practice led by our very talented Mrs Wilks. Through these music lessons children develop their skills in performance, transcription, composition and the ability to describe music. Music is further developed cross curricular through topic themes as appropriate. We participate in local and regional events and sing regular in Church and assemblies. This year the children in KS2 will take part in Mrs Sunderland and the Huddersfield Music Festival. The whole school will take part in regular celebrations held at St. Lucius Church.
Dance is taught by a specialist teacher during PE lessons and followed up with a dance after school club. The children participate in Shelley College Dance Festival once a year. During celebration assemblies and performances the children choreograph their dances with the support of teachers in school. After school clubs are a mixture of dance, drama and musical theatre.
Though not taught as a stand alone lesson drama is an integral part of the curriculum particularly in English, RE and PHSE. Children have the opportunity to develop thier ideas through drama and role play and perform their own playscripts. Children put on two large productions - one at Christmas and the other as part of the Year 5 leavers assembly. Musical Theatre After School Clubs are provided throughout the year. As a special treat the children visit the Wakefield Theatre to watch a pantomine. The trip is very kindly subsidised each year, by the Friends of Farnley Parental group.
We encourage passion and commitment to the subject of art, all elements of the subject are developed including drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, print, textiles and digital media. We have a sustained partnership with local artist , Chloe Williams, and are able to work off site at specific times during the year to make use of her art studio. This allows a more specialised and large scale approach to be developed. Links throughout the curriculum are made with art where ever possible.