Arts-rich report
This report outlines findings from research into arts-rich schools undertaken by Felicity Woolf and commissioned by QCA. Schools were asked about their provision of the arts, and why they emphasise the arts. They gave examples of outcomes and described the factors they thought helped or prevented success.
Eleven schools -- two special, four primary and five secondary -- were chosen for the research. All achieved Artsmark Gold in 2001 and were identified as having outstanding provision through Artsmark validation visits. As a varied group, they show that all schools are able to establish outstanding models of provision, regardless of background. Using indicators such as test results at key stages 2 and 3 and GCSE results, all the arts-rich schools are also improving schools.
The schools investigated have:
- a strong vision for the arts, clearly communicated to pupils, staff and parents;
- senior managers who are committed to the arts;
- outstanding provision in one or more artform and/or out-of-hours activities;
- an inclusive approach, aiming always for excellence;
- an understanding that the arts contribute to other aspects of school life, such as raising motivation and pupils' self-esteem.
The schools allocate generous curriculum time (at least 15 per cent) and financial resources to the arts. They have strong links with the professional world of the arts, both for pupils' enrichment and for the development of staff.
Barriers to success include:
- lack of funding, especially for capital development;
- lack of confidence and expertise among primary staff;
- low expectations of pupils' achievements among staff, parents and carers;
- lack of funding for transport in special schools.
Download this document in pdf format
Investigation into arts-rich schools (PDF 56Kb)
|
