Expressive arts

Published 01/01/2017.  Last updated 06/06/2023

​The expressive arts include art and design, dance, drama and music.

Through learning in expressive arts your child will:

  • enjoy the energy and excitement of performing and presenting for different audiences and of being part of an audience for others
  • have opportunities to be creative and imaginative, to experience inspiration and enjoyment and to develop skills in art and design, dance, drama and music
  • recognise and represent feelings and emotions, both their own and those of others

What will my child learn?

Each area of the curriculum is broken down into experiences and outcomes. These are clear and concise statements about children's learning and progression from pre-school to S3.

Read the experiences and outcomes for expressive arts.

What's working well in expressive arts across Scotland?

In most primary schools, the expressive arts continue to be used well to showcase children's learning across the curriculum through creating, performing and presenting. 

The expressive arts are being used increasingly well to strengthen the level of challenge and reinforce children's learning across other areas of the currciulum. 

This includes using the expressive arts, through drama in particular, to explore sensitive issues such as drug awareness, sectarianism, and emotional health and wellbeing. 

Secondary schools are beginning to introduce innovative approaches to developing transferable skills through interdisciplinary projects with an expressive arts focus.

The curriculum they provide now takes more account of the Career Education Standard and this is helping learners to make more informed decisions about their path through school and into the world of work or further study.

Expressive arts

Published 01/01/2017.  Last updated 06/06/2023

​The expressive arts include art and design, dance, drama and music.

Through learning in expressive arts your child will:

  • enjoy the energy and excitement of performing and presenting for different audiences and of being part of an audience for others
  • have opportunities to be creative and imaginative, to experience inspiration and enjoyment and to develop skills in art and design, dance, drama and music
  • recognise and represent feelings and emotions, both their own and those of others

What will my child learn?

Each area of the curriculum is broken down into experiences and outcomes. These are clear and concise statements about children's learning and progression from pre-school to S3.

Read the experiences and outcomes for expressive arts.

What's working well in expressive arts across Scotland?

In most primary schools, the expressive arts continue to be used well to showcase children's learning across the curriculum through creating, performing and presenting. 

The expressive arts are being used increasingly well to strengthen the level of challenge and reinforce children's learning across other areas of the currciulum. 

This includes using the expressive arts, through drama in particular, to explore sensitive issues such as drug awareness, sectarianism, and emotional health and wellbeing. 

Secondary schools are beginning to introduce innovative approaches to developing transferable skills through interdisciplinary projects with an expressive arts focus.

The curriculum they provide now takes more account of the Career Education Standard and this is helping learners to make more informed decisions about their path through school and into the world of work or further study.