Pupils and staff at The Bay CE School are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Silver Artsmark Award.
Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It transforms teaching through creativity, empowering teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, and is proven to support pupil outcomes and wellbeing.
To achieve their Artsmark Award, The Bay CE School – both primary and secondary sites – had to develop their arts and cultural provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to, and delivered, across the whole school.
Over 2 years, The Bay CE School received professional support through an immersive learning programme from Artsmark’s delivery partner, Goldsmiths, University of London, who are world-renowned leaders in creative pedagogy and cultural placemaking.
The Artsmark Assessor commended The Bay CE School, stating:
“As a multi-site all-through setting, the Bay Church of England School has used Artsmark as a process to galvanise greater connection between primary and secondary learning communities. Not only has this helped bring you together more as a school, aiding transition for learners at the end of KS2, it has connected you more to the wider community too – both through performance, and by connecting with Isle of Wight Cultural Education Hub.”
On receiving the award, Duncan Mills, Executive Headteacher said:
“We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Silver Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education. We drive to provide a wealth of opportunities for pupils both within the curriculum and through extra-curricular activities such as Dance Live and Performances such as High School Musical and Matilda Jnr.”
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Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, adds:
“I would like to congratulate The Bay CE School on their Artsmark Award. Creative activities and cultural experiences enrich our lives, open our minds to new possibilities and help us make sense of the world around us. As an awarded Artsmark school, you’re demonstrating that by offering a broad, ambitious and creative curriculum, your young people will develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
