Expressive Arts
Creating an environment which develops a love of learning
Faculties
Expressive Arts
Comprising: Art & Design, Drama & Music Departments
The inspiration and power of the arts play a vital role in enabling our children and young people to enhance their creative talent and develop their artistic skills.
By engaging in experiences within the expressive arts, children and young people will recognise and represent feelings and emotions, both their own and those of others. The expressive arts play a central role in shaping our sense of our personal, social and cultural identity. Learning in the expressive arts also plays an important role in supporting children and young people to recognise and value the variety and vitality of culture locally, nationally and globally.
Learning in, through and about the expressive arts enables children and young people to:
• be creative and express themselves in different ways
• experience enjoyment and contribute to other people’s enjoyment through creative and expressive performance and presentation
• develop important skills, both those specific to the expressive arts and those which are transferable
• develop an appreciation of aesthetic and cultural values, identities and ideas and, for some, prepare for advanced learning and future careers by building foundations for excellence in the expressive arts.
Music
Principal Teacher: Miss Gill B Ed Music (Hons)
Miss Gill studied Music at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and completed Education Studies at Glasgow University. Originally from Aberdeenshire, Miss Gill completed her probation year for Angus Council before starting at Kirkcudbright Academy in 2014. Miss Gill enjoys all aspects of music performance with her main studies being flute, piano and violin. Miss Gill has a keen interest in choral music and traditional folk music and one of her favourite parts of her job is working with the school choir. When not involved in something musical, Miss Gill loves reading, writing and walking.
Miss Irving – B Ed Music (Hons)
Miss Irving studied a Bachelor of Education in Music as a joint degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Glasgow University. Miss Irving is moved to Kent 2016 after her probation year but is originally from Dumfries and was keen to return to the region and started at Kirkcudbright Academy in 2019. Miss Irving has a keen interest in Music Technology and composition. Miss Irving loves musical theatre and playing in Brass Bands; Miss Irving’s principle study is trumpet and she also plays the piano. One of Miss Irving’s favourite aspects of her job is being involved in extra-curricular clubs; particulary Music Technology Club and School Show. Outside of work, Miss Irving is involved in a Brass Band and enjoys reading books and writing music.
Art & Design
Miss Gibson
Miss Gibson did her degree in art at the University of Dundee, then did her teaching degree at Strathclyde University.
Miss Wells – BA (Hons)
Miss Wells studied Visual Communication at the Glasgow School of Art, completing a Bachelor of Arts Degree – specialising in Illustration. In 2010, Miss Wells completed her Post Graduate Diploma in Education at Jordanhill University. Prior to secondary teaching, Miss Wells worked as a youth worker in the South of Glasgow and volunteered as an artist assistant at the Tramway Museum. Out with the Art and Design curriculum, Miss Wells continues to have a keen interest in a wide variety of creative industries; these include musical theatre, film noir, poetry, photography and live music performances. Being near the ocean and spending time with her family are two of the most important aspects of her life.
Drama
Miss Gilliland
Miss Gilliland went to Queen Margaret University to get her Drama and performance degree. She then went to Edinburgh University for her teaching degree.
She worked at a school in Kilmarnock called Grange. That was her first year of teaching.
Instrumental Tutors:
- Bagpipes: Mr A. MacMillan
- Brass and Guitar(s): Mr A. Paxton
- Drum Kit and Percussion: Mr M. Duffy
- Strings: Mrs S. Preston
- Voice: Mrs S. St. Joseph
- Woodwind: Mr J. Taylor
All pupils have the opportunity to access lessons through the Instrumental Music Service. Lessons cost £200 per year which can be paid in termly instalments. Lessons are free for pupils in receipt of Free School Meals or those studying National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher Music.
