Hip-hop, jazz dancing and music technology, drama, arts, collage and model-making, and a potter-in-residence, were just some of the activities enjoyed during this year’s performing arts theme week at St John and St Francis primary.

In the spring, the school moves away from its normal timetable in an effort to enhance the curriculum and provide experiences for pupils that they might not normally have. Sandra Pidoux, headteacher, says:“It gives the kids a rest from numeracy and literacy hours. They love it, and the feedback from them and the parents is fantastic. The children gain a lot from it.

“Through discussion, we usually choose a subject that we normally don’t teach in school, or don’t teach in much depth.”

Other years have included a Europe week to illustrate citizenship, and an African week with drumming workshops and a link to Zambia to teach the pupils about the “other world” and its influences.

At a cost of around pound;,000, funding is provided by the school, the PTA and the Bridgwater education action zone. The 438-strong, two-form entry school is one of 10 primary and three secondaries within the EAZ area. The school runs lunchtime and after-school clubs for sports and hobbies, and theatre groups, musicians and others visit to provide writing and imagination stimulus.

Snaps by Sandra Pidoux and Mike Flatley

And a one, and a two: Year 5 pupils add the lyrics to the computer music they composed earlier

Going potty: a Year 2 pupil cuts clay under the guidance of potter John Nutchens

In synch: reception children raise the roof, with teacher David Woodley at the keyboards

Break dance: Year 4, above, and Year 6, left, are put through their dance paces by dynamic duo Oscar and Rashid, from Floor Technicians

Works of art: Year 5 learn the precise technique of printing and print-making

Rolling, rolling, rolling: it’s not as easy at it looks as Year 1 try their hand at rolling out clay during a pottery lesson