“Artsmark - now nationally recognised as a prestigious and coveted award - sets the standard for an outstanding arts provision in schools and it’s great to see so many new schools attaining the Artsmark award this year. This award recognises the John Bentley School’s commitment to providing exciting art experiences and their belief in the power of creativity.”
Alan Davey, Chief Executive, Arts Council England

Following our application at the end of 2009 we have just found out that we have received 'Artsmark Gold'. In 2007 we were designated 'Artsmark Silver' and now three years later we have achieved the highest award - 'Gold'.

We are very proud of this achievement and is testament to all of the positive work that goes on in Drama, Music, Dance and Art.

This award for us marks the culimination of a 10 year journey bringing the 'arts' to the forefront of education complementing all the exciting subject areas that are on offer at the John Bentley School.

The Arts Award for Schools

Artsmark is a national award scheme managed by Arts Council England that recognises schools with a high level of provision in the arts. The award scheme is open to all schools in England - primary, secondary, special schools and pupil referral units, both maintained and independent.
Artsmark provides a benchmark for arts provision which encourages schools to consider the opportunities they offer in art, dance, drama and music. The application form for Artsmark acts as an auditing tool, through which schools may gain an overall picture of their arts education provision.
By gaining an Artsmark a school shows its commitment to the wider development of young people and teachers and to raising the profile of the arts in the school and local community.

Artsmark aims to:

encourage schools to increase the range, quantity and type of arts that are provided to children
raise the profile of arts education

Artsmark also:

recognises, promotes and spreads good practice in providing arts education
encourages schools to evaluate how their arts curriculum is delivered
motivates schools, artists and arts organisations to work together
highlights the need for teachers to have access to continuing professional development opportunities in the arts
encourages teachers to share their skills and knowledge in the arts with colleagues at other schools

What's Next for Performing Arts?

The further development and enhancement of the Arts over the coming months is key for us. One way is to continue our work in the wider community.

We have already successfully worked with a number of our feeder primary schools with both BTEC First and National students. We are also investigating the creation of a local youth and adult theatre company as well as enabling more opportunities for our students and staff to work with professional arts practitioners.

This year we will again be performing in the Calne Music & Arts Festival, and for the first time in its history it will include theatre produced by new our Year 12 A-Level Drama company: The Wizard of Oz