Artsmark

Artsmark is a national award scheme managed by Arts Council England that recognises schools with a high level of provision in the arts. The award scheme is open to all schools in England - primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units, both maintained and independent.



Artsmark provides a benchmark for arts provision which encourages schools to consider the opportunities they offer in art, dance, drama and music. The application form for Artsmark acts as an auditing tool, through which schools may gain an overall picture of their arts education provision.

STOP PRESS!
Artsmark have just announced that 21 schools in Cumbria successfully achieved in award in June 2008. Download the list of all schools in England here.

Download a list of schools awarded Artsmark in June 2007 in Cumbria (PDF)

Everything you ever wanted to know about Artsmark...but were afraid to ask!
For an introduction to Artsmark, why not book this session in your school? Cumbria Arts staff can lead information and discussion about embarking on Artsmark at a whole school staff meeting at a date and time to suit you. Contact us for more information.

Audit your Arts activity
As part of the Artsmark application process, you need to carry out an audit of the arts provision in school. A Guide to Auditing the Arts in School (PDF) provides a useful checklist for things you need to consider.

Developing your Arts Policy
An arts policy allows schools to describe current arts provision (across all art forms) and explain their commitment to arts teaching and learning. An arts policy provides a framework for allocating financial and staffing resources and ensuring an entitlement to the arts for every pupil.

You can find more information and guidance in From Policy to Partnership: Developing the Arts in Schools (PDF)

The core aims of a school arts policy could include:

• Equality of opportunity - an entitlement to a range of high quality arts experiences for every pupil, regardless of background or ability
• Effectiveness - a strategic and co-ordinated approach to arts education, including arts partnerships, which meets the needs of the school
• Efficiency - the best use of resources inside and outside school
• Extension - making links with the community, which strengthen and broaden arts provision in school

What does an arts policy contain?
A school arts policy could contain:*
-A statement showing the school's commitment to the arts to ensure a full and rounded education for all pupils
-The time given to arts experiences in and outside the formal curriculum, and across curriculum areas
-The range of experiences offered
-The arts qualifications and expertise of staff, with commitments to further training
-A description of arts facilities, and any plans for improvement

* The suggested content is based on DfEE Circulars 7/98 and 8/98