Where to Start - Starting Points for Inquiry

AND WE ARE BACK - Honestly, module two has come around quickly. This time last year I was applying for the course still coming out of the pandemic unsure how my life and career would even pan out. 12 months down the line I have been able to purchase my first home, gained more teaching opportunities which I have actually grown to love as well as achieving my first professional contract performing since graduation. 

I feel that with a much more structured layout for this term I can commit focus to a section at a time, first things first is the inquiry topic, mapping the field of my proposed research area. 

After looking at my areas of learning from Module 1 I want to focus on the importance of dance and performing arts in education. After growing up with dyslexia and really struggling with academic learning, I only really found success in arts subjects, music, drawing and performing arts. I have got to thinking how succeeding in these areas actually helped me develop in other areas of my learning. I also came to think that learning dance at a young age can also help the development of understanding non-verbal communication and emotions. 

I have begun looking into the ‘national curriculum’ for UK schools, although art and music are compulsory to teach at Key Stage 1+2 dance is only a part of the curriculum through PE. 

This has posed questions for me, 

• How much dance is actually taught in school?
• Does the same level of dance get taught throughout UK schools? - PE teachers taking responsibility
• Do parents see development/ Improvements in academics after dance classes or being exposed to performing arts.
• How is development measured, should it be measured in that way? 

I have been collecting articles about dance in education and looking into the ideas of development especially in early development as I am currently teaching ages 15 months to 7 and performing in primary schools. 
On reflection, I need to look into different methods of data collection and the ethics around research around younger children. Ideally, I think that I will be collecting data from parents and teachers. 
I look forward to developing my knowledge further and starting my new chapter. 

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum