Last term 10 head teachers from across Moray were given the opportunity to host international artists, The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company at their school. Schools were asked to consider how the Kathakali workshop and performance related to the subjects they are studying in school and how they would incorporate the experience into their approach to learning and teaching.
Milne’s Primary decided they would use the workshop and solo performance as an opportunity to ‘learn through the arts’ by interpreting and teaching religion through poetry, music and dance. Their comments demonstrated a long-term commitment to utilising the arts across the curriculum. Milne’s Primary suggested that they would consider alternative ways of promoting their own culture and traditions in their school performance in December 2008 and as such were successful in their bid to host The Kala Chethena Kathakali Company.
Approximately 35 pupils participated in a workshop that increased their awareness of non-western drama, promoting self-confidence and self-expression. The workshop covered ancient culture and rituals, physical exercise and body co-ordination. Asian sign language and facial expression was also used.
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Comments from the class:
| ‘I have learned how to express my feelings through dance and storytelling’
‘Learning about a new culture was what I most enjoyed’
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After the workshop the whole school watched a solo performance about an ancient story from the Mahabharatha (Sanskrit epic poetry of India), performed in full costume and make up. The performance demonstrated how an actor can use the imagination of the audience to tell a story.
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Feedback from teaching staff:
| ‘A fresh perspective on how we help/support children to learn about global history, culture, religious education and moral values. Staff saw first-hand the impact on children's learning and we will now look for ways to deliver RE/ME using expressive arts in a variety of formats.’ |