Cranford receives prestigious Artsmark GOLD Award
Cranford receives prestigious Artsmark GOLD Award
Pupils and staff are celebrating after receiving the prestigious Artsmark GOLD Award. The Artsmark Award is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. The award recognises Cranford’s dedication to developing and celebrating the arts from across the last two years while consistently putting creativity and wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum for all pupils.
The Arts assessor commended Cranford with the following feedback:
'It is positive to read how, despite the COVID pandemic, pupils at Cranford House benefited from a range of online arts and cultural activities. These included, recording a carol service for every year group in the school in December 2020, and live streamed carol services in 2021, online rock and pop concerts, tea concerts, class assemblies, videos displaying artwork and Flickr photograph albums. ABRSM, Trinity and LAMDA exams were also delivered remotely. You consider the progress of your pupils in the Performing Arts has been maintained very successfully during the last two years. You also highlighted the dedication and creativity of your team of peripatetic teachers who supported you though this challenging time. Junior Arts Council representative from each class met regularly to discuss ongoing provision and future projects they would like to undertake. Responding to pupil feedback, you have extended your Arts provision to include a Glee Club, a Brass Ensemble and Jewellery Making. Your outreach programme has encouraged participation from other schools in your Choral Days, led by Lin Marsh and David Lawrence, and also your themed open days including 'Wings and Wheels', 'Space Day' and also your 'Explorer's Day'. Pupils have been able to celebrate their work in a range of settings and performances, all of which have helped to raise the profile of arts across the wider school community. You have identified appropriate areas of development in your Statement of Impact, however you may also wish to consider the introduction of Arts Awards as a formal recognition of pupils work. Music is an outstanding area at the school, and it would be good to read how other areas of the arts are being developed to ensure there is equity across all areas of the arts. Collating a range of case studies, which could be shared locally or regionally, may also help to support other schools and raise your profile as an advocate for arts and culture.'
On receiving the award, Dr Raymond said:
“We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark GOLD Award. This is an amazing achievement and reflective of the teaching excellence across all departments. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education and we look forward to continue to grow with Artsmark.”
Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said:
“I would like to congratulate Cranford House on their Artsmark GOLD Award. Becoming an Artsmark school demonstrates that through offering a broad, ambitious, and creative curriculum, every pupil can develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
About Artsmark Award
This year, the Artsmark Award celebrates its 20th anniversary as the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings. It can help unlock young people’s potential, building their confidence, character, and resilience. https://www.artsmark.org.uk