Creative Arts

Art

The creative ethos of Beechwood College is primarily centred around an experience-based environment, which encompasses a unique learning style developing the individual strengths of each student. Art is available to very student of every ability, whether it be on a therapeutic or enjoyment level.

At the College we offer a broad spectrum of holistic arts that include ceramics, painting, print making and 3-D sculpture. Each student will be given the opportunity to select for themselves a specific area in which they may specialise. Art at Beechwood College is viewed as a valuable communication tool, allowing each individual to express feelings and emotions in a variety of ways, as well as gaining accreditation through awarding bodies such as ASDAN and OCN.

Opportunities will be made available for any individual who has a specific talent and demonstrates the ability to further educate themselves via GCSE or A-Level.

The Art Programme is highly resourced, enabling multimedia productions that may also encompass the local environment.

The immediate surroundings of Beechwood provide an endless source of artistic inspiration and resources, many of which will be utilised within pieces of artwork.

Music

Music sessions at Beechwood are designed to consist of person-centred tutorials that will reflect the particular musical interest of each student, combined with a series of prescribed modular activities which will lead to ASDAN or OCN accreditation upon successful completion. Sessions will be held as one-to-one tutorials or presented to very small groups as appropriate to the project and the requirements of the students.

Although by the very nature of the subject matter there is a well defined therapeutic element, it is not presented as ‘music therapy’. As both a therapeutic tool and as an educational or extra-curricular activity music is invaluable, providing a communication system which can remain unique and non-pressurising to the individual as a form of self expression.

There is an extensive range of percussion instruments including a drum kit, a portable digital piano, keyboards and interactive white board, audio equipment vocal microphone and amplification, a variety of stringed instruments and an ever increasing selection of recorded music.

Course module projects will extend across the range of musical genres, so that students will be exposed to everything from classical music to jazz, hip hop, world music, rhythm and blues and beyond. Music is an essential contribution to the daily lives of most people and its use at Beechwood College will reflect the particular preferences that the students may have in this area. Music activities will include trips outside College where appropriate, so that students can experience watching professional musicians in practice and enjoy the multi-sensory experience that live music brings.

Drama

The sharing of imagination and collaboration in Drama will enhance the individual’s creativity and self awareness through activities such as role play, articulated performance and community based theatre visits. The remarkable Welsh Millenium Centre, based in Cardiff Bay, houses some of the most impressive arts facilities within Britain, including Touch Therapy and Hijinx Theatre, a specialist Theatre Company catering for individuals with learning difficulties.

As a universal language, drama and the arts will support our students in appreciating the richness of other cultures. They will be used as a medium for human communication, encouraging our students to be tutored about constructive methods towards possible solutions concerning conflict. It can also address personal issues, the forming of a new attitude towards communities and overcoming prejudices and fears about life’s questions.

“The essence of the person-centred approach is that it is based on active learning, first hand experience, the maximisation of potential and the needs of the individual through the medium of creativity. Skill, knowledge and understanding are important, but it is the individual that creates their own inspiration”