OVERVIEW Thurrock Trailblazer 2017/18

What is Thurrock Trailblazer? Thurrock Trailblazer is an innovative programme of high quality arts and cultural activities, visits to heritage sites and specialist teacher training, that boosts creative learning in schools and accelerates pupils’ development. Based on extensive research and aligned to Arts Council England’s Artsmark Award, Thurrock Trailblazer is a rigorous, effective and sustainable path to whole-school improvement.

Thurrock Trailblazer provides every pupil with access to high quality arts and culture activities provided by Royal Opera House and other cultural organisations. Working with the ROH Learning and Participation team each school creates a year long calendar of cross-curricular creative activities that is tailored to their school’s needs. The programme can include any art form such as: creative writing, visual arts and design, drama, dance, music, singing, film and photography. To ensure schools develop the very best programme for their pupils, Thurrock

Trailblazer also gives teachers access to expertise, training and resources from a wide range of high quality cultural providers such as theatres, museums, galleries, orchestras, professional artists, writers and choreographers. Together, through the Trailblazer programme, we are creating an outstanding learning culture in Thurrock that will provide every child with the opportunity to discover their creativity, connect with the wider world and develop essential personal skills. It is the ambition that Thurrock Trailblazer will have worked with all schools in Thurrock by 2020.

What challenges does Thurrock Trailblazer address? Experiencing high quality arts and culture has a profound impact on children and young people’s lives. Visiting, watching, making and performing are crucial to the development of imagination, identity, self- expression and creativity – essential skills for thriving in future.

Children and young people who do not have access to quality cultural learning are at an emotional, social and economic disadvantage. Trailblazer will ensure every pupil in Thurrock benefits from the transformative power of arts and culture so that they can reach their full potential now and in the future. A rich mix of arts and cultural activities stimulates children and young people’s aspiration and raises attainment across the curriculum. Schools without a broad and balanced curriculum will struggle to be outstanding. Trailblazer will harness the best knowledge and opportunities from local, regional and national organisations to unlock the creative potential in all Thurrock schools and acts as a catalyst for whole- school improvement.

What has happened in Thurrock Trailblazer so far? So far, Thurrock Trailblazer has worked with over 325 teachers in Continued Professional Development programmes. The programme has reached 43 schools and over 10,000 students, all of whom participated in creative and cultural activities.

So far in 2016/17

• 35 schools are engaging with the programme, consisting of 21 Primary, 9 Secondary, 2 SEN, 1 College, 1 Alternative Provision and 1 Virtual School (Thurrock Children in Care)

• 33 schools have embarked on an Artsmark journey. So far 3 have been leveled as Artsmark Platinum, 2 gold and 4 silver.

• 30 local, regional and national Cultural Partners are working with teachers and over 4200 children from Early Years to Post 16 in creative and cultural activity

• Trailblazer has worked with 287 teachers in 176 hours of Continued Professional Development sessions

"Our pupils...definitely showed an increased level of interaction to what we normally see in the classroom." "We've rewritten our curriculum...so staff see it (the arts) as an expectation within the curriculum...rather than...an extra." "for me it's really transforming what is going on in Thurrock schools...a wonderful opportunity to bring into the region the very best practice." "...the reception that some schools have had from Ofsted has been incredibly positive...this kind of work is, overall, viewed very, very favourably because it has a very positive impact..."

How does it work?

A strategic whole school approach A strategic whole school approach is at the heart of Thurrock Trailblazer. It is linked to the school’s improvement and development plans and aligned with the Arts Council England’s Artsmark programme. CPD, networking and reflection This is made up of a selection of meetings, training sessions and events for Trailblazer Cultural Champions, teachers, SLT and governors. Essential CPD dates for Cultural Champions are provided in the ‘Save the Date’ section below. Optional CPD dates for Cultural Champions and other members of staff can be selected from the Trailblazer Cultural Catalogue, which will be issued once a school is accepted onto the programme.

Cultural projects and activities in school and cultural visits out of school These activities will be selected by each school to meet the needs identified through undertaking a cultural audit of school provision. You will be given information about all the projects available, a budget, and will be asked to give your reasons for selecting each project or activity. Sharing and celebration of cultural activities It is up to each school to decide how to share and celebrate their Trailblazer activities within their community. We will support you to explore and create both ‘live’ and digital celebration and sharing opportunities for your students, staff and wider community. How will it work in your school? You will appoint a member of staff to be your ‘Trailblazer Cultural Champion (Appendix 1)’ who has the role of the project manager. They will bring all of these elements together, in order to create a strategic, whole school approach to cultural learning. Cultural Champions are supported throughout the year by the Thurrock Trailblazer Cultural Champion network and leadership development programme.

What will the schools get? Trailblazer schools will gain access to:

• A carefully curated Cultural Catalogue, complete with offers from local, regional and national Cultural Providers.

• A budget of between £1500 and £2000 per school to spend on their cultural programme from the Cultural Catalogue.

• A wide range of cultural and creative teaching CPD, including a cultural leadership training and support for Cultural Champions.

• Support to become an Artsmark school. • A leadership conference aimed at school leaders and governors. • Support towards Arts Award and specially designed Thurrock Trailblazer resources. • A peer learning network. • Visits by highly experienced education consultants, who are available to support any

aspect of your journey throughout the year. • A detailed annual evaluation of the programme which measures impact, develops

understanding and provides evidence for a range of stakeholders and audience. • A dedicated Trailblazer Team!

Average Investment per School

What is expected from the schools? A Trailblazer school will commit to:

• Financial contribution of £400 per school plus £1.20 for every pupil on the school roll. • Providing an appropriate and suitably qualified Cultural Champion and Deputy Cultural

Champion. Please read the role description (Appendix 1). • Senior leadership support for the Cultural Champion. • Governor support for the Cultural Champion (Appendix 2). • Releasing teachers for Trailblazer meetings and CPD. • A whole school approach including a commitment to Artsmark (Appendix 3) and

identifying links to the school improvement plan. • Evaluation and documentation of Trailblazer projects and CPD, to understand and

evidence the impact of the programme in your school. • A whole school activity. For example, a festival day, open afternoon or exhibition. • Taking at least one class of students through Arts Award (Appendix 4). • Costs for transport, Arts Award moderation and teacher cover, where appropriate.

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Champion CPD

(1) Cultural Champion Role Description Cultural Champions are:

• ambitious teachers with at least five year's experience. • in a secure professional place in their career. • teachers with previous experience of project management is useful. • capable of leading a whole school initiative as an interesting and relevant challenge. • members of staff with a strong interest in creative and cultural learning. However, they

do not need to be specialist arts curriculum teachers. • reflective and generous teachers who recognise the value of collaborative working. • committed to documenting and evaluating the impact of Thurrock Trailblazer.

The role will entail:

• Auditing the planned curriculum experienced by pupils in school to identify the breath and depth of cultural learning available and whether access is fair; including consideration of progression and opportunities to gain accreditation.

• Analysis of findings and the gathering of the professional views of colleagues to help reflect on pupils’ needs and prioritise an area of cultural learning for development through Thurrock Trailblazer.

• Identify teaching groups and colleagues who will have deep involvement and ownership of creative sessions that address identified areas for development.

• Be the main point of contact and protect manage all activity; including budgeting, scheduling, safe-guarding, quality assurance, evaluating of impact and sharing of learning (digital and otherwise).

• Participate in disseminating of learning arising from participating in this initiative. • Championing changes that may need to be made for this work to be sustainable.

How much time needs to be allocated for Cultural Champion responsibilities?

• One full day and one twilight session per term (three each per academic year) to participate in a cultural leadership professional development and peer support programme with Cultural Champions from other Thurrock schools.

• ArtsMark Statement of Commitment and Case Study Workshop as applicable (this may be delegated to another colleague).

• On average, two hours per week to complete Trailblazer-related administrative tasks. • Time spent on project specific CPD, confirmed in the school’s programme selection,

where selected. The experience will be supported by the delivery team, who will offer leadership, advice and guidance. A Deputy Cultural Champion also needs to be identified from the outset, in case of unavoidable absence to share responsibility and workload.

(2) Cultural Governor Info The role that governance plays in ensuring that every child receives the best possible education has never been more important. Governors and trustees are there to set the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction. They are also expected to hold the Headteacher to account for the performance of teachers and pupils, and to ensure that public money is well spent. The role of the Cultural Governor is to support...and challenge...your school to make the most of the Thurrock Trailblazer programme.

(3) Artsmark Thurrock Trailblazer is aligned to Arts Council England's Artsmark Award. All Thurrock Trailblazer schools will attain an Artsmark Award, allowing the programme's achievements to be recognised by Arts Council England, the Department for Education and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Signing up for Artsmark demonstrates that a school has a strong commitment to the arts in its curriculum and strives for excellence in its arts teaching and opportunities open to students, making the arts come alive. "Working with such reputable, leading professionals in the field of arts and culture who aim to inspire, support and develop the learning and creativity of people of all ages and to enrich the cultural life of the local community in Thurrock, helps us to underpin our core values as a school. The inspirational and aspirational nature of the ethos of the Royal Opera House, are intrinsically linked to our School Improvement Plan and the values and ethos of our school in empowering young women by offering them opportunities and the experience of working with professionals in a professional setting."

Lucie Burrow, Assistant Headteacher (Behaviour, Inclusion & Access) at Grays Convent School

(4) Arts Award Arts Award is a range of unique qualifications that support anyone up to 25 to grow as artists and arts leaders, inspiring them to connect with and take part in the wider arts world through taking challenges in an art form - from fashion to film making, pottery to poetry. Through Arts Award young people gain a nationally recognised qualification enabling them to progress into further education and employment. Arts Award has five levels, four of which (Explore, Bronze, Silver, Gold) are on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). Arts Award Discover is an introductory award. At all levels, children and young people work with an Arts Award adviser. This is a trained adult who supports young

people in gaining arts experiences, provides guidance and assesses arts logs and portfolios. Teachers, teaching assistants, museum learning staff, art practitioners, youth workers and volunteers can all train as advisers. There are no entry requirements, no time limit for completing the award, and no set rules on how to present final work. Young people just need to be aged 25 or under, and ready to explore new creative experiences. As they work towards Arts Award, children and young people collect evidence of what they have done and reflect on their experiences. At Discover, Explore and Bronze they can choose to use the specially designed arts logs – or you can create your own to fit your project or the young people you’re working with. Evidence can also be collected in any format that works for them and you: a folder, sketchbook, video diary, a website or blog. Each school involved in Thurrock Trailblazer will endeavor to provide the opportunity for at least one member of staff to become an Arts Award Advisor, which will include the Arts Award toolkit and specially designed Thurrock Trailblazer resources. Schools will be expected to pay for the moderation. A class of 30 would cost: Discover - £2.75 per pupil. Explore - £10 per pupil. Bronze - £20 per pupil. The more children you put through Arts Award, the more the cost decreases per pupil.

Save the dates

These sessions are an essential part of the Thurrock Trailblazer programme. If exceptional circumstances should ever prevent you from attending a Cultural Champion event please be sure to send your deputy, as nominated in your application. Summer Term 2017 Thurrock Trailblazer 2017/18 Launch – Each school will be sent their bespoke programme selection via email to the Cultural Champion on Thursday 06 July 2017. Autumn Term 2017 Cultural Champion Trailblazer 17/18 Introduction Day Wednesday 13

September 2017, 10:00-16:00, HHPP Arts Award Surgery Thursday 05 October 2017, 16:00-18:00, HHPP Artsmark Statement of Commitment and Case Study Twilight Wednesday 11

October 2017. 16:00-18:00, HHPP

Cultural Learning: Leadership Conference for Head Teachers, Senior Leadership and Governors Wednesday 08 November 2017, 08:00-11:30, HHPP Cultural Champion Twilight – Peer Learning and Reflection Thursday 16

November 2017, 16:00-18:00, HHPP

Spring Term 2018 Cultural Champions: Taking the Lead - Leadership Development Day Wednesday 17

January 2018, 10:00-16:00, HHPP Cultural Champion Twilight – Peer Learning and Reflection Thursday 15

March 2018, 16:00-18:00, HHPP

Summer Term 2018 Cultural Champion Twilight – Peer Learning and Reflection Thursday 17 May 2018, 16:00-18:00, HHPP Cultural Champion Celebration and Evaluation Thursday 05

July 2018, 16:00-18:00, HHPP