The Milford Academy has been working towards Artsmark for the last few years and we are proud to announce we have been awarded the Artsmark Gold Award by the Arts Council England.
One of the highlights of the Artsmark journey has been working with the Nottingham Contemporary and artist Laura Eldret through the Schools of Tomorrow project to develop creativity across school. Developing pupil voice, creativity and aspiration in the arts were key elements of this project.
Arts Ambassadors have been appointed to promote the arts across school and have led projects in school as well as exhibiting artwork at Lakeside gallery, raising pupil aspiration.
The school curriculum has been enhanced, particularly in Art and Design, Design and Technology and Music to embed knowledge, reflect diversity, inclusion and develop creativity. Arts and culture are linked to wider learning opportunities within school. and they are also used throughout the curriculum to support the delivery of other subjects.
The school has prioritised personal development and cultural experiences, planning theatre visits, museum trips and gallery experiences and residential trips strategically throughout school.
Singing assemblies, Year 4 guitar lessons, African drumming workshops and musical theatre have allowed pupils to experience the opportunities and personal enjoyment the arts can bring.
Staff have planned and embarked on key professional training in the arts which has enhanced pupil experiences.
The current Creativity Collaborative project is another highlight which offers Milford pupils and staff training in the arts, collaboration with artists, other schools and aspiration to all.
The Milford Academy is constantly striving forward in our provision of the arts and commitment to pupils. We ‘Aim high, achieve!’
We are so proud of our creative pupils who show us their voices count. They are developing the creative thinking skills needed to be successful today and in the world of tomorrow!
On submission of the Gold Lvele Artsmark award, the Art Council England share the following feedback from it’s assessors: “The Milford Academy has used this Artsmark journey to rethink your school pedagogy with a focus on creativity.
“Arts and culture are linked to wider learning opportunities and arts subjects are delivered in an integrated way to support school wide goals around developing pupils’ thinking skills.
“Arts Ambassadors have been given delivery roles in arts projects and pupil involvement in directing their learning has become part of your pedagogy.
“You have changed your approach to the Early Years Foundation curriculum with more of a focus on sharing art. Curriculum working parties have developed a progressive arts curriculum and learning sequences.
“You have also considered how your curriculum is representative of wider society and a diversity working party has been established.”
Written by Rob Perkins, Headteacher at The Milford Academy