Samoa Expressive Arts Syllabus

This document details the Expressive Arts curriculum for primary schools, encompassing Music, Performing Arts (Dance and Drama), and Visual Arts. It is based on the curriculum statement prepared by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC).

Introduction

Expressive Arts are central to Samoan life, reflecting cultural identity and heritage through various forms of expression. This curriculum aims to develop students' creativity, technical skills, and aesthetic understanding across music, dance, drama, and visual arts. It encourages students to explore both traditional Samoan art forms and contemporary expressions.

General Aims

The Expressive Arts curriculum aims to:

• Develop artistic and technical skills in creating and performing.
• Encourage aesthetic understanding and critical analysis.
• Foster understanding of the relationships between art forms and their purpose in Samoan society.
• Develop understanding of how expressive arts contribute to Samoan culture and personal identities.
• Encourage creativity and exploration of original ideas.
• Promote communication of ideas through artistic creation.

Curriculum Organization

Each subject area is organized into three interconnected strands: Creative Practice, Response and Analysis, and Arts in Context.

Music

• Creative Practice: Explores musical concepts like pitch, rhythm, harmony, and form, using both traditional and contemporary approaches.
• Response and Analysis: Focuses on communicating and interpreting meaning through singing, playing instruments, and reflecting on performances.
• Music in Context: Analyzes the influence of music on different cultures and societies.

Performing Arts (Dance and Drama)

• Creative Practice: Creating original dance and drama pieces, developing movement vocabularies, and exploring dramatic forms.
• Response and Analysis: Analyzing and reflecting on performances, understanding different genres and styles, and developing critical appreciation.
• Performing Arts in Context: Exploring the historical and social contexts of dance and drama, and understanding their role in different cultures.

Visual Arts

• Creative Practice: Creating art using various media and techniques, exploring elements and principles of art, and developing original artworks.
• Response and Analysis: Responding to artworks through observation and analysis, developing ideas, and understanding the creative process.
• Visual Arts in Context: Exploring the functions and values of Samoan cultural art forms, as well as contemporary and global art.

Achievement Objectives and Learning Outcomes

The curriculum is outcomes-based, with achievement objectives outlining what students should learn at each year level, and learning outcomes specifying what they should be able to do. The curriculum is divided into two Key Stages:

• Key Stage 1 (Years 1-4): Focuses on foundational skills and knowledge in each subject area.
• Key Stage 2 (Years 5-8): Builds upon Key Stage 1, developing more advanced skills and understanding.

Detailed achievement objectives and learning outcomes for each year level are provided within the full curriculum document.

Essential Skills and Values

The curriculum emphasizes the development of essential skills such as communicating effectively, problem-solving, utilizing aesthetic judgment, developing social and cultural skills, managing oneself, integrating knowledge, and effectively using technology. It also promotes values such as cooperation, tolerance, sensitivity, respect for individual expression, respect for traditional knowledge, community participation, honesty, and integrity.

Inclusive Education and Gender Equity

The curriculum is designed to be inclusive, catering to diverse learning needs and promoting gender equity. It emphasizes providing appropriate support for all students, including those with disabilities and gifted learners. It also aims to challenge gender stereotypes and ensure equal opportunities for all students.

Language Learning

The curriculum recognizes the importance of language development and encourages the use of both Samoan and English. Specific terminology related to each subject area is introduced and explained.

Assessment

Assessment is an integral part of the curriculum, used to monitor student progress, inform teaching practices, and provide feedback to learners and parents. It includes assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning.

Time Allocation

The recommended time allocation for Expressive Arts is 120 minutes per week, divided equally among Music, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. Schools have flexibility in how they organize this time.