Bow Arts Consortium - a partnership model

Description:

The Bow Arts Learning consortium programme brings schools together to create inspirational learning opportunities for children and young people. Programmes support schools to work together more effectively to embed the arts. We work with head teachers and subject leaders to plan, manage and deliver artist-led projects that respond to school priorities, curriculum and learner needs. Children work with artists to learn new skills and develop their knowledge and understanding of art and design. Consortia also provide staff opportunities to work collaboratively with peers from other schools through dedicated artist-led professional development. Suitable for existing or new school partnerships, such as informal partnerships, Federations, Multi Academy Trusts, or other school alliances. Consortia typically range from 6 to 12 schools

School Improvement:

Partnerships | Curriculum Programmes

• Develop sustained partnerships based on trust
• Raised attainment, and improved progress
• Economies of scale and increased subsidies
• Subject leadership support
• Share planning, learning and resources
• Raised school profile

The Arts:

Skills Development | Arts Enrichment

• Skills based development – drawing, painting, sketchbooks etc.
• Accredited opportunities through Arts Award qualifications
• Professional development for teaching and school staff
• Celebration Events/exhibitions of pupils’ artwork

Testimonies:

“Working together in the consortium has really enabled us to strengthen links with our neighbouring schools.” Secondary Headteacher

“The collaborative approach with Bow Arts has brought real financial benefits to our schools. Pooling resources creates an economy of scale.” Partnership Manager, Poplar Partnership

“Bow Arts has had a profound effect on the learning and progress of the pupils. The range of artwork, confidence and skills on show is astonishing.”  Senior Advisor, Children’s Services

“The project required pupils think and work independently, be open minded and explorative in their approach and to be resourceful and creative with their materials.”  Lead Artist

“It has been wonderful to see our children grow in confidence and take a lead in developing their own ideas and interests.”  Deputy Headteacher

Project Costs:

Costs range from £1,500 - £5,000 per school, based on the number of pupils on roll.

Illustrative Outputs - a typical 12-month programme is made up of:

• Termly coordinator meetings – bringing together subject leaders to exchange planning and resources and plan the detail of the programme.
• Bespoke school projects – artist-led projects planned in response to school improvement priorities, curriculum and learner needs.
• Arts Award Accredited after school / holiday programmes - bringing together pupils from different schools to work collaboratively.
• Year-round professional development for teaching and support staff – practical sessions to build the skills, knowledge and understanding of staff, and encourage collaboration and exchange between schools.
• Exhibition / Celebration Event – to share and celebrate the achievements of children and young people with their peers, families and the wider school community

Outcomes and Impact (taken from a 12-month programme with an eight-school consortium):

• Collaboration between schools, saving on average 22% of project costs
• Enabling 1,200 pupils to participate in high quality artist-led activity, with 100% of projects resulting in an increase in skills, knowledge or understanding
• 100% of pupils reported enjoying their learning through Bow Arts projects
• 50 pupils gained Arts Award qualifications
• Primary pupils experienced working in secondary school art departments
• Raised attainment in Art and Design, for example GCSE results rose from 63.5% to 90% A* to C following bespoke secondary school projects
• 115 teachers accessed high quality arts CPD, with 100% reporting being able to transfer their learning into their classroom practice
• Strengthened subject leadership, equipping arts co-ordinators with new teaching resources and increasing their confidence as arts leaders