Thurrock Trailblazer Evaluation 2015/16

More significantly however the Trailblazer team felt that the new iteration
of the Artsmark scheme aligned very well with the aims of Trailblazer. The
new emphasis on whole school engagement and embedding arts and
culture provision into school development planning fits with the school
improvement agenda that underpins Trailblazer.
‘We believe every child should have the opportunity to create, compose,
and perform, as well as to visit, experience, participate in and review
extraordinary work. Artsmark can help unlock the potential of children and
young people, help to develop character and talent, and increase their
knowledge and understanding. That’s why Artsmark was created: to bring
this ambition to life in every classroom.’
Artsmark mission statement, Arts Council England
All 28 schools registered with Artsmark attended a development day at
the beginning of the year. 25 submitted a Statement of Commitment and
are working towards submitting a case study to the Artsmark levelling
panel in the 2016 Autumn term.
32 of Thurrock’s 53 schools have registered with Artsmark - 61%
compared to a total of 15% of schools nationally. Trailblazer schools
account for 87% of the Thurrock total. Of the 28 schools, eight have
engaged with Artsmark previously, but the rest have no recent experience
of the award (since round 12). Trailblazer schools have been more likely to
engage with Artsmark than other Thurrock schools (a total of 14 awards
have been made since Round 12), and they account for the three Gold
awards that were made during that time.
Not surprisingly, schools that have been recognised for their high quality
provision have joined Trailblazer. However, for the majority of Trailblazer
schools, reaching the recognised standard, and being motivated to pursue
it via Artsmark, is a direct result of engaging with Trailblazer.
A key factor driving the ‘refresh’ of Artsmark was a concern that the
Award was to some extent a ‘snapshot’ of provision at the point of
assessment, and didn’t ensure progression and forward thinking. This is
reflected in the comments of one of the Trailblazer schools this year, who
were awarded Artsmark Gold in 2014.
“Since we got Gold...whole school arts participation has filtered off. During
my survey and analysis, I was completely shocked by how little is done
around school.”
Cultural Champion, Thurrock Secondary School
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