Since launching the Arts Award in September 2023 we’ve seen how it has transformed the creative journeys of our learners. The Arts Award has not only provided accreditation for their hard work but also enriched their experiences in dance, drama, and other art forms. Through the Arts Award framework we offer a personalised approach with levels like Discover, Explore, and Bronze to suit each learner’s abilities and interests.
Thanks to the Arts Award Access Fund we’ve been able to bring in professional artists to guide projects in photography, graffiti and music composition connecting these experiences to our core arts curriculum. This support has allowed us to expand our arts offerings building excitement and engagement from the start. Our first year of delivery was a success with all 32 learners achieving their accreditation.
Our learners had the freedom to choose from various art forms such as dance, drama, music, visual art and graffiti. To help guide their choices we created accessible handouts using visual aids enabling every student, including those with communication challenges, to make their own artistic decisions. The most popular choices were dance photography, graffiti and music composition which allowed them to explore their creativity in meaningful ways.
Throughout the year we brought in professional artists like photographer Jenny Harper who led a day of dance photography and Grit Arts who taught spray painting techniques creating collaborative graffiti pieces. Our learners also participated in music composition workshops led by Kris Halpin laying the groundwork for future music projects.
In addition to hands-on projects, learners researched the life and work of artist Jackson Pollock and experienced a live performance of Starchitects by Motionhouse. These activities allowed students to reflect on their research, express their thoughts and engage with art in a deeper way. They created large-scale paintings inspired by Pollock’s drip technique and shared their insights in class presentations.
A key element of the Arts Award is giving learners agency in the creative process. They made artistic choices during photography, graffiti and music sessions whether it was selecting camera angles or deciding on themes and sounds. This hands-on student-centered approach empowers them to take ownership of their work and express their creativity freely.
Communication is crucial when working with learners with complex needs. By using visual aids and tailored teaching strategies we ensure every learner can participate and express themselves fully. Our collaborative approach with specialists like speech and language therapists ensures that our learners have the tools they need to succeed.
The impact of the Arts Award has been profound, fostering confidence, teamwork and a sense of achievement. Our learners have discovered new passions and skills helping them grow both personally and creatively. The flexibility of the Arts Award allows us to tailor the program to meet individual needs, ensuring that all learners can thrive at their own pace.
At ALP Nuneaton, we believe that creativity has the power to transform lives. Through Arts Award, we’re empowering our learners to explore, express and achieve their creative ambitions. We all look forward to this year’s Arts Award exploration. 
See Our Learners Work!
