Arts Policy - July 2008

1 Underlying Principles

Altrincham Girls’ Grammar School recognises the key role of the arts in the social, cultural and educational development of its pupils. The school is committed to fostering an enlivened and creative atmosphere that lives the arts, where the arts are accessible to all, artistic achievement is valued and in which the pupil’s individuality, uniqueness and vibrancy are reflected in its arts.

Through this policy Altrincham Girls’ Grammar School aims to establish a school where:

The arts are an integrated part of school life, rather than a separate and distinct area of activity.
Participation in the arts is accessible to all.
Artistic achievement is recognised and valued
The arts have a uniquely Altrincham Girls Grammar School flavour and are widely viewed as being essential in achieving a dynamic, vibrant school.
Artistic diversity is encouraged and celebrated.

The school has the following roles in achieving the policy outcomes:

A promoter of arts to the school community and visitors
A partner with a wide range of groups and individuals who are actively

involved in the arts in Altrincham Girls Grammar School. The school seeks to support and consolidate their efforts.

An advocate of the school’s artistic talents.
A provider of information on the arts, arts opportunities, artworks and facilities.

The Arts policy is based on the following principles:

Diversity - the variety of art forms is recognised and encouraged as contributing to a full and vibrant arts life in the School.
Inclusivity - both contemporary and traditional art forms are recognised and valued.
Accessibility - the arts should be accessible to all – barriers removed and opportunities provided.
Arts Achievement – creativity, innovation and excellence should be valued

and supported as an essential element of the arts community development.

Partnership - partnerships between stakeholders in the arts community enhance provision of arts activities and access to the arts for all.
Cultural Diversity – the many different cultures in the school should be encouraged to participate in and celebrate their distinct art forms and maintain the meaning and history behind their art. The sharing of those arts forms will help increase understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity.
Participation - the participation and appreciation of the arts by Altrincham Girls Grammar School students will be encouraged.
The Governments ‘Every Child Matters’ – the arts can help to contribute to being healthy, enjoying and achieving and making a positive contribution.
SEAL – to contribute to the SEAL initiative by encouraging pupils to be self motivated, self aware and work cooperatively with others.

Art is defined as: those activities which allow for the expression of creativity and culture, and which may be expressed through participation, performance, display, and exhibition, by all people in both professional and amateur capacities. Arts activity includes concerts, shows, plays, book launches, readings, events, exhibitions, festivals and displays etc.

A major theme of this policy is the integration of the arts in all the school’s activities, rather than arts being treated as a separate, stand alone element of activity. Consequently it is important that all curriculum areas within the school understand this policy and how it applies in their area of work.

The Arts Policy clearly indicates the strengths of the school's enrichment programme, particularly offered through Dance, Drama and Music. It recognises these as being another important way of achieving the main principles as outlined above. The school believes its prime roles in relation to the arts and community participation should be to act as partner, advocate and facilitator. The School believes that arts are an essential facet of social wellbeing and identity and will :

Encourage the development of both new and established arts groups that support students and staff at all levels of their development.
Provide encouragement, information and opportunities, in conjunction with others, for artists and arts groups to strengthen links with school
Facilitate and promote the provision of a range of events that support a flourishing arts sector.
Resource the departments and societies to maintain, display and preserve the school arts heritage and develop contemporary art.
Facilitate networking, communication, information exchange and collaboration.
Work closely with other schools and central government to enhance the further development of the arts in Altrincham Girls’ Grammar School, linking closely to ‘Every Child Matters’.

2 Aims

To develop practical, technical and critical skills
To enrich the learning experience of all pupils
To develop creative thought
To promote self awareness and confidence
To develop aesthetic and artistic sensibility
To celebrate the variety of art forms readily available
To make arts accessible to all
To promote partnerships and links with professional companies/artists
To heighten awareness of the diversity of people, places, cultures and abilities
To celebrate achievement
To extend and challenge.

3 Objectives

To provide opportunities for performance in all art forms
To develop specific art-form skills
To broaden knowledge and understanding and develop critical awareness
To provide cross-curricular opportunities
To provide individual inspiration, enjoyment and a sense of personal satisfaction
To provide inclusive opportunities to boost pupils' self esteem
To build on the curriculum
To develop new skills and interests
To enable pupils to work alongside professional artists and to develop a broad understanding of career opportunities available
To increase awareness of multi-cultural art forms
To provide opportunities for all pupils to participate in a full and varied programme of extra-curricular activities
To strengthen the school's links with parents and the wider community
To seek to identify and attract new sources of funding for the promotion, development and marketing of the arts.

4 Monitoring and review

The policy indicates courses of action and possible indicators against which performance will be measured. The policy will need to be kept up to date and reviewed as circumstances change. As these indicators are developed, the intention is that more specific targets for each performance indicator will be worked out. The school's Arts policy will be reviewed on an annual basis.

This policy has been evaluated with direct reference to issues of equality and diversity (see Equality and Diversity Policy).