Mrs Izard’s blog - developing self-confidence through performance

Here at Gateway, our school day is designed to provide maximum opportunity for pupils to explore, discover and be challenged and we are extremely fortunate to have teachers who specialise in areas such as art and design, music, drama, physical education and dance, computing and modern foreign languages. All our students benefit from this team of specialist staff, who bring deeper and broader subject knowledge, and deliver their instruction passionately. Some of their skills and creativity were particularly evident when I was privileged to be able to watch all of the children’s end of term performances being videoed on Wednesday. What a treat! I saw custom made props, heard ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ sung in English, French, German and Japanese, I watched some superb and quite complex Christmas dance routines and heard beautifully delivered poetry and readings as well as challenging vocal harmonies and melodies sung with confidence and panache.

It always amazes me how, in such a short period of time, so many lines, songs, movements and dances are learnt and then performed with great expression and confidence. Despite not being able to perform to an audience this year, the children clearly enjoyed themselves, rose to the occasion and gave their very best performances. The Performing Arts provide the perfect vehicle for helping children to develop their creativity, and being part of a performance provides a wonderful opportunity for them to ‘give it a go’ regardless of their ability. Learning how to perform, singing with and in front of others, acting and dancing as part of a team or group – all of these skills help children build a sense of purpose and camaraderie. However, there is much more educational value to these performances than meets the eye. Performance is a way for pupils to gain a stronger and more lasting sense of both self-confidence and self-esteem, which allows them to explore their full potential.

The World Voice programme states that ‘by communicating freely with the voice, face, and body, children learn to express ideas with confidence, empathise with others from different cultures and backgrounds, and feel at home in their own skin. Song, music, drama and dance can help children become more imaginative, self-aware and collaborative global citizens’.

We very much look forward to sharing our performance videos with parents towards or after the end of term.

Have a lovely weekend.