News

Policy and Practice round-up October 2015

19 October 2015

This month we bring you details of the new Ofsted framework; the new Artsmark; an invitation to a CLA STEAM event at the Science Museum; a dance education conference; and the new Space for Learning publication.

New Ofsted framework

A new Ofsted common inspection framework (CIF) was introduced in September 2015. Key changes are that inspectors will now consider four areas, including a new judgement on personal development, behaviour and welfare, which cultural learning can support – for example developing confident, self-assured learners.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) education continues to feature, and must also be evaluated before a final judgement on overall effectiveness and the grade of Outstanding, Good, Requires Improvement or Inadequate is given.

SMSC has strong links to cultural learning, with pupils’ spiritual development including the ‘use of imagination and creativity in their learning’, and their cultural development including the ‘willingness to participate in and respond positively to artistic, musical, sporting and cultural opportunities’.

The new CIF will put greater emphasis on leadership, safeguarding, a broad and balanced curriculum, and pupils’ outcomes based on progress made in the school. Ofsted have also committed to 7 out of 10 Ofsted inspectors being current practitioners leading a good or outstanding setting.

Ofsted Common Inspection Framework areas

  • Effectiveness of leadership and management
  • Quality of teaching, learning and assessment
  • Personal development, behaviour and welfare
  • Outcomes for children and learners

You can read more about the changes in The Future of Education Inspection and download the documents from the Department for Education website.

 

Artsmark

The new Artsmark award has been launched by Arts Council England.

Artsmark celebrates schools that champion the arts and strive for excellence in their provision. Redesigned for the 2015/16 academic year with new levels of Silver, Gold and Platinum, it focuses on how the arts integrate with and support School Improvement Plans.

Any school, college or youth justice organisation can apply for Artsmark. Read more about the process. Local Bridge organisations can help schools through the application process.

 

New Ideas for STEAM – event invite 29 October, Science Museum

Regular readers will know we are hosting a STEAM Hack at the Science Museum at the end of October. Groups of leading scientists, artists and teachers will spend 24 hours in the Science Museum 28-29 October, hacking their science and arts schemes of work to create inspiring STEAM curriculums.

CLA members are invited to join us for the final two hours, when participants will be pitching their ideas for new STEAM curriculums to our invited panel. Book your free place via this link.

 

Championing Dance in Schools conference

Join the National Dance Teachers Association for Championing Dance in Schools: celebrating the past and shaping the future on Saturday 28 November in London. There will be an array of workshops, seminars, discussions and performances, plus a party at the end of the day!

 

New practical design guide for cultural and heritage learning spaces

Space for Learning: a new handbook for creating inspirational learning spaces has been produced by a consortium of 14 partners, including CLA members the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Clore Duffield Foundation.

The publication provides guidance on all aspects of designing cultural and heritage learning spaces, including practical elements such as furniture storage, technology, lighting, and working with architects.

A print version is available on the Space for Learning website, together with expanded guidance and practical case studies.