Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • August 2009

State of Flux comes to an end North schools festival
Over 7,000 people have taken part in a £1.3m government-funded pilot could become a regular event
project to see if arts’ activities can positively affect young people – and
discourage anti-social behaviour. The One Big Community Event at Isambard Community School in July
Over the last Flux has been was such a success that organisers hope to repeat it again next year.
three years the based in the new
Flux project in Isambard Com-
North Swindon munity School
has worked with where profession-
local schools and als have led both
the community to curriculum-based
provide opportu- classes and after-
nities in filmmak- school clubs. Flux
ing, animation, introduced Arts
web design, salsa, Lanterns alight, a community festival Blast – two weeks
drumming, pup- organised by Flux when normal les-
pet making, cartoon clubs and sons are shelved and all curriculum
community festivals. subjects are based around arts
Kirsty Carter of Swindon Coun- activities. Musicals and African drums. Bridlewood actors in Oliver at the big event
cil’s Artsmad, which managed Flux, Isambard headteacher Rachael
said the project had succeeded in Mattey said the arts’ profession- Almost 500 people of all ages received. “Bhangra dancing by
its aims - although the long term als brought a new dimension to - from toddlers to grandparents - Moredon and Rodbourne Cheney
effects will be seen in the years to school. “Real artists don’t paint attended a pupil showcase of activi- Schools and extracts from Oliver
come. “The arts’ programme has for an hour, then pack away and ties that included Bollywood and by children at Bridlewood Primary
especially motivated pupils who dance for an hour, then sing for an African themed dancing, Egyptian School went down really well, and
might otherwise have become dis- hour. Neither do our students. They dance, Aboriginal and African art, the Salsa demonstration was full of
engaged with school. I can think immerse themselves in the art form and much more. energy and had the audience par-
of some who did not have a good for at least a day at a time – giving Organised by the Extended ticipating with enthusiasm.”
record of learning who have been them the opportunity to live the School Services for the Nova Hreod Through food sales, £230 was
really spurred on and taken respon- true creative experience. Does it and Isambard cluster of schools, the raised for Heart Radio’s ‘Have a
sibility for their learning. work? You bet it does. showcase featured pupils from ten Heart Appeal.’
“We’ve brought in a huge range “Our young people are willing schools using art, dance, and sing- “We were overwhelmed by the
of specialist artists to give young to try anything. Children come to ing to highlight the multi-cultural day,” said Lisa. “It was lovely to see
people expert leadership from pro- school eager to learn and do well in topics studied in the last year. so many schools working together
fessional directors, photographers, all subjects, not just the arts. Thanks Among the acts were a rock band to deliver amazing performances
editors, journalists, animators, film- to the arts’ activities they’re happy from Isambard, storytelling from and fantastic exhibitions. The event
makers, choreographers and many to take risks in their learning and around the world, a 60-strong choir really brought the North Swindon
more professionals.” are active participants.” from Red Oaks, an African drum- community together; we’d like to
ming performance, a Samba band, thank all those who supported it.”
and a French style Ready Steady See pictures from the event and
Cook competition. also summer activity listings at:
Joint organiser Lisa said all the www.novahreodisambardess.org.
performances were really well uk

Budding Billy Elliotts make their moves

Boys have taken to dance in a big way with the Swindon Academy
BALLET - TAP - MODERN - JAZZ of Dance. it really fun. We do quite a lot
The Street Jazz after-school class
MUSICAL THEATRE for 5 to 10 year olds at Haydonleigh of strength work like press ups
& RAD MAJORS School gives youngsters the chance so they can manage the different
to build strength, stamina and flexi- ground moves”
STREET, HIP HOP & ADULT TAP bility to help them develop hip-hop The 5 to 10s Street Jazz class
and street dance techniques. takes place on Thursdays 4.15pm
Classes from two and half years upwards Dance teacher Yasmin Kardasz to 5pm, followed by a 10 to 16s
Lessons held at Haydonleigh School, said dance for boys had become class at 7.35pm. The first class is
Abbey Meads Community School, Blunsdon Village a lot more popular from TV ex- free of charge.
posure. “Boys feel more confident See the advert left for contact
and also Stratton Community Centre about trying out dance and find details.
Official Dance Centre
of the ISTD
offering FDI & CDE Units

Bring this advert
with you and receive the
first two lessons free

Contact Sarah Watson
on 01793 524112
or 07825 543529
before 8pm

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