Primary aged school children from across London will benefit from a cultural arts programme after members of the Corporation’s Education Board agreed to £3.6million pounds in funding.
The programme will be delivered by A New Direction, an award-winning charity generating opportunities for children and young people to develop their creativity.
A New Direction’s Primary Arts programme aims to increase access to high quality, inspiring arts, cultural and creative opportunities for children and staff in London’s primary schools and primary SEND settings.
The programme will be delivered annually across four academic years from September 2024 and in partnership with a range of cultural organisations. It will give schools free opportunities which aims to unlock the creative potential and skills of teachers and children, supporting wellbeing, confidence, personal interest, and professional development.
The entire Primary Arts programme is designed to be inclusive. This is to ensure that all pupils, including those with SEND in both mainstream and specialist provision, are able to participate in and experience this offer.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Education Board, Naresh Sonpar, said:
“The Corporation is committed to preparing young people to flourish in a rapidly changing world by providing exceptional education, cultural and creative learning, and the skills which link to the world of work.
“And that is why members from the education board are delighted to support A New Direction’s programme of learning.
“This is an exciting project that will allow London’s state primary schools and SEND settings primary aged children to get creative.
“First class learning is something that should be available to everyone no matter their background or ability. Achieving greater social mobility is a central part of this, and something we wish to see championed at every level of the City Corporation.
Steve Moffitt MBE, CEO of A New Direction, said:
“This is a very proud moment for us. We created Primary Arts in response to the release of the Gulbenkian report The Arts in Schools – Foundations for the Future (March 2023), a reflective piece that articulates the various barriers that have discouraged and disallowed cultural education and arts in schools to thrive.
“We are fully aware of the difficulties schools are facing financially, with staff retention and the wellbeing of both pupils and staff. This is why, through Primary Arts, we are building on the excellent work London’s educators are doing by offering free opportunities to support wellbeing, confidence, personal interest, and professional development.
“We are grateful for the generous support of The Corporation City Educational Trust Fund. We hope that this three-year programme will be one of many that start to address the findings of the Gulbenkian report.”
The programme is designed to include children from Reception to Year 6 as well as their educators. Pupils will have a chance to experience a range of activities including in-school performances, cultural experiences across theatre, film and visual arts at different London venues.
Notes to Editors
About the Corporation
The Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. . The £3.6 million pound funding comes from the City Educational Trust Fund which the Corporations’ Education Board acts in their capacity as Trustee, on behalf of the City Corporation.
About A New Direction
A New Direction is an award–winning charity (1126216) working to enhance the capacity and agency of children and young people in London to own their creativity, shape culture, and achieve their creative potential.
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