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KSA Awarded Artsmark Gold from the Arts Council

The quality of the arts provision at KSA has been recognised by the Arts Council with the award of Artsmark Gold.

Artsmark is a nationally-recognised award programme designed to celebrate and develop rich and high quality arts education.

Staff in the Academy's expressive arts department have spent two years developing a varied programme that would offer opportunities for all young people to explore their creative sides.

As well as completing a comprehensive application, KSA was also visited by an Artsmark assessor who examined whether the strict criteria for the award was being met.

The Academy had to demonstrate the extent of its arts provision, the uptake and the results.

It was judged on the quality of provision, which includes working with Intersales Music Teaching to offer peripatetic lessons both in and outside of school hours. Judges also looked at the quality of shows produced by students.

Other arts activities which helped KSA to achieve the award include:

  • Partnership working with 2 artists which has seen gifted and talented students produce a large-scale periodic table for the new build;
  • Primary phase's Sing Up award;
  • The national Rock Challenge dance competition that students competed in;
  • Intersales' Rock School;
  • Students working towards the Arts Award;
  • Sixth Formers running an after-school drama club for younger students;
  • KSA opening its doors to resident artist Daniel Kelly, a former student who is studying for an arts degree. 

Schools can achieve a pass or gold - KSA is proud to have achieved the top award. A spokesman for Artsmark said: "Your application demonstrated an excellent commitment to providing high quality arts provision that is embedded across your curriculum and we would like to congratulate you on the hard work and commitment that went into achieving this respected award."

Aaron Panther-Howell, Head of Expressive Arts, said: "It shows that our provision is at Artsmark Gold standard. I'm also pleased that we achieved it in the current building because it shows the commitment and dedication of staff, rather than the facilities we have.

"Giving students access to the arts makes them more rounded; some people are more creative and they need outlets to explore that."

The Award will last for three years after which KSA will have to re-apply. Future projects include the development of the Arts Award, which is another Arts Council scheme and gives students UCAS points. There are also plans for KSA to introduce the Shakespeare in Schools programme and to become a centre of excellence for the Arts Award.