SCHOOLCHILDREN got their creative juices flowing at a special arts "immersion day".
Year seven pupils at Steyning Grammar School took part in the event as part of the New Secondary Curriculum, which was introduced last year.
The aim of the day was to help youngsters develop their personal learning and thinking skills, leading to them becoming better in six categories – independent enquirers, creative thinkers, reflective learners, team workers, self managers and effective participators.
Amanda Duke, team leader for the creative and performing arts at the school, told the Herald: "Students learned these skills through the exploration of rhythm in storytelling, printmaking, banner-making, percussion, and some food preparation.
"African traditions in craft, performance, ceremony and celebration formed the underpinning cultural link for the day, and we hope that students have grown their understanding about Africa as a diverse continent."
ParadeThe group were joined by representatives from Same Sky, a Brighton-based group of performers, artists and makers, and Mrs Duke said the group helped bring a carnival feel to the day, which culminated in a parade.
"Students were encouraged to make a terrific noise as they chanted, played and waved their masks and banners on the way to the 'waterhole' – our huge marquee erected specially to form a meeting place."
The group was joined by year four pupils from neighbouring St Andrew's Primary School, who showed off their skills in African drumming.
The year sevens then gave performances to parents, who attended towards the end of the immersion day, as well as providing refreshments with the help of one of Steyning Grammar's year 10 food groups.
Mrs Duke said: "Feedback is telling us that the day was fun and that students would like us to continue to organise similar events in the future.
"While it takes a great deal of organisation, the teachers admitted that they that enjoyed it just as much as the students."
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