Students and staff at Cambourne Village College are celebrating after receiving the highest level of award in the Artsmark scheme.
The school has been handed the Platinum Artsmark Award in the scheme, which is accredited by Arts Council England.
It supports schools to develop and celebrate arts and cultural education across the whole curriculum, bringing learning to life for children and young people.
To achieve their Artsmark Award, the college had to develop their arts and cultural provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school.
The Artsmark assessor said: “'We were impressed by your strong commitment to the transformative power of the arts, which is beginning to make a difference to arts-based practice within local settings and through your initial teacher training provision.
“Cultural capital is clearly referenced within the school planning documents and is now supported by a new co-ordinator role.
“SLT, Governor support, and specialist teachers drive an established range of provision within the curriculum and through extra-curricular activities.
“There is a credible, and increased, arts offer from KS3-5 with rising uptake. It's really good that you are sharing your practice and expertise with Jeavons Wood (feeder primary) and other local schools, and that you can track your impact into pupil results and through quotes.”
Principal Lynn Mayes said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Platinum Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education, not just for our pupils, but across the Cambourne community.”
Art teacher Sam Minnaar added: “This award is the result of documenting our arts journey over the last two years, looking at the school’s work in culture, values, equality, CPD, range of offer, curriculum, pupil focus and leadership relating to the arts.”
One of the key features in Cambourne’s portfolio has been the setting up and support for the Taking Up Space group.
Ms Minnaar explained: “Led by pupils initially to decolonise the curriculum has now evolved into a powerhouse of pupil initiative, with multiple art exhibitions, collaborations, and support of our school’s cultural diversity.”
