Charles Dickens Primary School

Creative Arts

The creative arts are at the heart of the Charles Dickens curriculum. We have both a resident artist and musician on our staff ensuring that our cross curricular topic work is always stimulating and exciting. Our teaching is greatly enhanced by our strong partnerships with many local creative arts companies including; The Unicorn Theatre, Shakespeare's Globe, The Tate Modern, Southwark Playhouse, Siobhan Davis Dance and The Little Angel Puppet Theatre

Children can develop their artistic talents at clubs including art, dance, poetry and drama.

Throughout the year, all pupils perform for their parents and fellow pupils in class assemblies and large productions. Children discover their natural talents as they choose whether to contribute art work, work behind the scenes or to take a leading role.

Music

Charles Dickens Primary School offers a tremendous range of musical opportunities for all its pupils and we have a proven track record of encouraging pupils to fulfil their musical potential through individual and group lessons, choir, orchestra and an on-going calendar of musical events. Specialist music tuition in keyboard, violin, trumpet and recorder is provided by a team of dedicated music professionals. We have a musician in residence who works with every class, developing their musical creativity. In addition to whole school singing, productions and class assemblies, we hold regular music concerts within school. Both orchestra and choir perform further afield at events such as the Thames Festival, the Globe Christmas concert and Southwark Music Festival.

Sport

Physical activity and sport play an important role in pupils developing their motor skills, sporting ability and team skills. All pupils take part in two timetabled PE lessons as well as the opportunities on offer at lunchtimes and after school clubs. The curriculum, identified as Outstanding by Ofsted, covers all areas of the curriculum including swimming, gymnastics, dance, athletics and team games. Younger pupils focus on skills; older pupils use these in specific games and have opportunities to compete against other local schools. Sports Day is a highlight of the calendar when the four houses compete for medals and trophies.

Eco School

Charles Dickens is proud to be an Eco-School and it was awarded its third Green Flag in June 2011. The whole school community is committed to the environment and to making the school as sustainable as possible. The children are responsible for electing an Eco-Champion in their classroom and they are then encouraged to act as an eco-role model to the rest of the school, to encourage recycling, reduce litter in the playground, eat healthily and conserve energy. We also have a fantastic garden space which the children use to grow a variety of fruit and vegetables. The garden also plays home to the 'Charles Dickens Chickens', whose eggs are sold in the school office.