We are an Artsmark GOLD School!

Dunstable Icknield Lower School receives prestigious Artsmark Award

Pupils and staff at Dunstable Icknield Lower School are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Artsmark Gold Award.

 Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It supports them to develop and celebrate arts and cultural education across the whole curriculum, bringing learning to life for children and young people.

 

In order to achieve our Artsmark Gold Award, Dunstable Icknield Lower School had to develop their arts and culture provision to embed a broad and balanced curriculum. Our whole school, including the governing body began our journey in September 2020. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school.

 

Dunstable Icknield Lower School was supported by The Opera House Bridge organisation in planning and developing their objectives. The Bridge organisation worked alongside the school at various stages to support their Artsmark Gold Award achievement. 

Artsmark has been created to help unlock the potential in young people, to develop their character and talent, and increase their knowledge and understanding through many rich and diverse learning opportunities and experiences. To bring the arts and culture to life in every classroom.

 The Artsmark assessor commended Dunstable Icknield Lower School on …. ‘Your journey has been a holistic one in a way, with as much focus on the culture and ethos of your setting as a preoccupation with teaching and learning. You put it well when you wrote: a curriculum with 'Arts and Culture at its heart, are intrinsic to strengthening a strong community’s sense of place, forging a personal identity, and showcasing our pupil’s unique creativity.' Identity, sense of place and a feeling of belonging are vital to good learning, and it is great to see you embracing this ethos as part of your Artsmark journey.’

Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of the Arts Council, said:

“I would like to congratulate Dunstable Icknield Lower School on their Artsmark Gold Award. Becoming an Artsmark school demonstrates that through offering a broad, balanced and creative curriculum, young people have the opportunity to develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”

On receiving the award, the headteacher Mrs Stirling said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark GOLD Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education, and we look forward to continue to grow with Artsmark.”

www.Artsmark.org.uk   and   www.culturechallenge.co.uk

As we travel further along our Artsmark journey we will share some of the learning and experiences with you on this page.  Come back and visit us.