Teacher’s Voice

For many teachers, heads and governors, the impact of Artsmark stretches far beyond increased creativity in their students with benefits such as improved communication with parents and boosted moral of teaching staff observed:

“Our Artsmark journey has enabled the children to develop their fine motor skills, enjoy the arts through sensory experiences, and access a wider variety of arts both in and out of school. It has introduced the arts as an overarching theme across the whole curriculum, as well as encouraged staff to participate more in visual arts, music and theatrical events.”

– Di Deacon, Lead Teacher for Outdoor Learning, Prior’s Court.

“Becoming an Artsmark Platinum school after being Gold for 14 years was a huge achievement for our school. Artsmark status has ensured that we have kept the Arts within our curriculum during a time of great educational change and that all subjects are valued highly by both staff and students. As a school we recognise the importance of the Arts and it’s an honour to have our provision recognised by Arts Council England.”

– Julia Firth, Director of Personal Development, Salterns Academy Trust

Credit: Xavier J. Fiddes, Artsmark Celebration Event, Corn Exchange, June 2017

“We saw a significant increase in Parental involvement during Artsweek and this had a positive effect throughout the school year; it opened up lines of communication between many Parents and the teaching Staff; it has meant that more Parents are involved as ‘Parent-helpers’; and Children were able to observe that many of their Parents possessed amazing arts skills.”

– Mrs A.Gabb, Reception Class Teacher, Liphook Infant School.

“The whole process has been illuminating and we have become much more confident at reflecting and evaluating our next steps… Staff confidence in understanding what The Arts are has grown as has the children’s understanding. Everyone’s engagement in the process has been inspirational.”

– Mrs Anne-Lise Kadri, Liphook C. of E. Junior School.

 

An extract from: SPOTLIGHT ON… Oxfordshire Hospital School

Words: Oxford Hospital School staff

The arts are a firm part of the OHS School development plan. The collaborative projects that started as part of our Artsmark journey have been gathering momentum and are now an integral part of the school’s timetable. Using the arts as a springboard for circular-work is something that is constantly being developed and explored at the school.

Our Viral Footprints project sees the school working with artist and scientist, Lizzie Burns, to better understand viruses. The work uses visual imagery to show the patterns and intricacy of viruses, as revealed with an electron microscope and computer-generated models. All students are encouraged to experiment with materials to see what unique virus designs emerge.

Continue reading here…