Hi my name is David McKenna and I have over 30 years experience in teaching expressive arts with a wide range of participants including those with complex needs.
I am really excited at present because the work since I started in September with all students at ALP Nuneaton has been nothing short of inspirational and heartwarming as all learners have thrown themselves into it showing real creativity and talent.
In Dance and Drama we play. A lot. We explore different ways of moving, different ways of communicating, we try out different emotions and investigate how other people see and interact in the world. We use our imagination and think what ‘could be‘ rather than what it ‘already is’ by thinking outside the box. We love being creative and accessing opportunities where we can find different possibilities.
Through participation in Dance and Drama we build confidence and raise self- esteem, life skills that every young person needs to succeed. We also create life-long memories, as through collaboration, rehearsing and performing, all participants share experiences with others that are sure to become rich memories for decades.
Through the school we follow 3 different routes. A Reggio Emilio approach. Arts Award Explore and Discover. Arts Award Bronze and Silver.
- The Reggio Emilio approach is where the space is set up with sensory stimuli to encourage creative movement, rather than directing the drama or dance. Dance teacher becomes just another dancer in the space alongside the learners, responding as a co-creator and collaborator, working alongside the learner on open ended tasks.
- Through Arts Award Explore and Discover, young people build their artistic knowledge, creativity and confidence while achieving a recognised qualification in the process. Throughout the year the learners participate in different art forms, they research a range of genres, creators and arts organisations, and they make full use of their imagination and communication skills.
- Through Arts Award Bronze and Silver, young people develop their art form knowledge and creativity alongside reflective practice, problem-solving skills and confidence. The learners complete a portfolio as their Arts Award journey progresses, explaining what they’ve seen, done and learned along the way.
At the end of the year all learners will perform at the Abbey Theatre in an end of show celebration event.