Arts Award success
Who needs Britain's Got Talent? We know that Arden has! In 2010, Arden trialled the Arts Award; a qualification similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Fifteen students took up the challenge of the Bronze Award and worked with two advisors one morning every week. We were very proud when these fifteen students all passed their Arts Award which is awarded by Trinity College. Our original fifteen students benefitted enormously from taking the award. Their diverse skills in the Arts were celebrated and students embraced new arts challenges that broadened their skills and experiences. The students also became Arts Leaders running workshops in order to share their own skills.
This year we are proud that 73 students took part in the Arts Award at Arden. All 73 students achieved the award; 52 gained the Bronze Award, 19 gained the Silver Award and 2 students gained the Gold Award. We ran the Award during registration period with four advisors working with the students. Every young person's choice of activity, planning, reviewing, research and leading was initiated by the young person themselves; this was not a taught course. The range of skills learnt includes stage combat, physical theatre, directing, ballet en point, textiles, jazz and musical theatre. Our students also led parkour workshops, art clubs, musical ensembles, drama groups and ballroom dancing workshops. Students have interviewed professionals in the Arts such as Juliette Bauser, a flautist, RSC actor Nick Asbury and our very own Mr Seago an arts hero for several of our students! Year 12's Lauren Bull and Year 11's Caitlin Mallin, who gained the prestigious Gold Award, also researched debates into arts funding and the drama curriculum in schools. They both enjoyed work experience opportunities at Solihull Arts Complex completed in their holidays from school.
Our moderator from Arts Award, Fiona Howe, commented upon the quality of the students' portfolios and breadth of experience in the Arts. She felt that Arden had captured and celebrated students' individuality and passions. She has requested several portfolios to be used as national examples.
We celebrated our 73 students' achievements on 17 June with an open evening, performances and presentations. It was a wonderful opportunity for artists, parents and participants to come together and recognise the hard work, talent and passions of our exceptional young people.
For further information on the Arts Award please see the website www.artsaward.org.uk or speak to an Arden advisor: Ms Lewsey, Ms Hennessy, Ms Warrender or Mr Seago.
