By Sampad Learning Team
It’s the end of the summer term which means Sampad Associate Schools have been busy celebrating the end of the academic year across the city. One highlight has been working with St Benedict’s primary school in Small Heath, across multiple projects.
Festival of Culture
Building up to the schools Festival of Culture, dance artist Simran Sheemar spent 6 weeks working with the children in years 3 and 4 to create a variety of South Asian dance routines. Each class were then able to choose the routine they wanted to perform at the festival.
Each class went in a different direction so pupils, parents and teachers were in for a treat when they came to watch the performances at their Festival of Culture on Thursday 11th July. Whether Bollywood or Bhangra or a fusion of Indian Classical, the children took it in their stride. Naomi and Gillian, from the Sampad learning team, visited the festival and were blown away by the focus and enthusiasm displayed in the routines. It was also great to see children interacting with our ‘From City of Empire to City of Diversity’ exhibition which was displayed as part of the festival.
Wake Up Shake Up
Not only was it Years 3 and 4 who enjoyed Simran’s expertise. Simran has also led the whole school ‘Wake Up Shake Up’ sessions which happen for 10 minutes before school starts as the children are arriving. Despite the sun’s shyness at times over the last 6 weeks, the ‘Wake Up Shake Up’ sessions have avoided wet weather and are indeed a sunny way to start the day!
Continuing Professional Development Sessions
Finally, as part of the tailored package of sessions we developed with St Benedict’s, Simran and learning manager Gillian also ran CPD sessions for staff in drama, history and dance. Teachers called the activities “thought provoking” and “very enjoyable” and it has been great to hear how techniques discussed have already started to be put into practice. The children of St Benedict’s primary may not be the only ones showing off their dance moves over the coming weeks…
If you would like the Sampad Learning Team to join your school, whether that’s for South Asian dance workshops or artist-led CPD sessions, get in touch here.