Performing Arts

Staff at our school, are aware that drama is already a natural part of most children’s lives. Make-believe play occurs naturally for most children before they even join us at Ribbon. Drama allows them to make sense of their own identity by exploring meaningful fictional situations that have parallels with the real world. This can be utilised at school through structured play and drama to encourage pupils to learn actively and interactively throughout the primary years and across the curriculum.

Through integrating drama across all subject areas, we ask children to move and to interact with others on a regular basis. Moving, speaking and responding to one another, is an essential life skill and one we actively encourage. Most importantly, drama activities at Ribbon are fun, making learning both enjoyable and memorable.

Drama is perfect for cross-curricular learning and is a valuable tool for use in many subject areas. In particular, drama develops literacy skills; supporting speaking and listening, extending vocabulary and encouraging pupils to understand and express different points of view. Dramatic activity also motivates children to write for a range of purposes.

Drama gives our children opportunities to:

  • explore, discuss and deal with difficult issues and to express their emotions in a supportive environment.
  • explore their own cultural values and those of others (past and present).
  • think and act creatively;
  • develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that can be applied in all areas of learning (an indeed life!)
  • take responsible roles and make choices; to participate in and guide their own learning.

Each year, pupils at our school are invited to audition for our ‘End of Year’. Shows in the past have included Joseph, Mary Poppins and ‘Step back in Time’.

Supporting Documents:

‘Inclusivity and Nurturing Environment: The school is described as inclusive and nurturing, with high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements. Celebratory displays showcase pupils’ accomplishments, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early Years Provision: The provision for early years is rated “Outstanding”. The staff provide an exceptional range of carefully planned learning activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and the development of spoken language from day one.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour and attitudes at the school are rated “Good”. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes towards learning, understanding and demonstrating the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Personal Development: Personal development at the school is rated “Outstanding”. The curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school gates, including educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Safety and Well-being: Pupils feel safe at the school, describing it as a “safe spot”. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective systems in place to report and follow up on concerns. The pastoral team works tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Quality of Education: The quality of education provided is considered “Good”. The curriculum is broad, inspiring, and well-thought-out, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading is a priority, with an effective phonics program starting in early years, fostering a love for reading among pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The quality of education at the school is “Good”, with a broad and inspiring curriculum that builds knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective systems in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early years provision is rated “Outstanding”, with staff providing a magical learning journey that encourages curiosity and independence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and management are “Good”, demonstrating high ambitions for all pupils and a strong culture of mutual support among staff.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Parents are highly supportive of the school, agreeing that their children are happy and well-supported.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and attitudes are rated “Good”, with pupils showing positive behaviour both in and out of lessons.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Community and Extracurricular Activities: Pupils engage in activities like ‘Ribbon Radio’ and the ‘Poets’ Podium’, developing confidence and showcasing their talents. The school also runs breakfast clubs, after-school activities, and a community café, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Personal development is “Outstanding”, offering a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and Management: Leadership and management are rated “Good”. Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil, and there is a strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff. The governing body and trustees are knowledgeable and committed to the success of the pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading and Literacy: Reading is prioritised, with an effective phonics program starting in the early years. Pupils’ love for reading is nurtured through various competitions and a well-stocked library.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school provides rich extracurricular opportunities, such as “Ribbon Radio” and the “Poets’ Podium”, which help develop pupils’ confidence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment where their accomplishments are celebrated.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The Ribbon Academy is rated as “Good” overall, reflecting high standards in various aspects of school performance.’

OFSTED COMMENTS