London’s primary school children get creative after multi-million-pound funding boost

London’s primary school children get creative after multi-million-pound funding boost.

Members of the City of London Corporation’s Education Board approved £3.6 million in funding for a cultural arts initiative for primary school children around London.A New Direction, an award-winning nonprofit that fosters the creative development of children and young adults, will deliver the program. The Primary Arts programme at A New Direction aims to provide children and staff in London’s primary schools and primary SEND settings with more access to high-quality, inspiring arts, cultural, and creative experiences.

The project will be presented annually over four academic years beginning in September 2024, in collaboration with a variety of cultural organisations. It will provide schools with free opportunities to unlock teachers’ and children’s creative potential and talents, thereby promoting welfare, confidence, personal interest, and professional growth.The entire primary Arts education is intended to be inclusive. This aims to ensure that all students, including those with SEND in both mainstream and specialist settings, have the opportunity to engage in and experience this programme.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Education Board, Naresh Sonpar, said:

“The City of London Corporation is devoted to preparing young people to thrive in a fast changing world by delivering great education, cultural and creative development, and skills relevant to the workplace.

“That is why members of the school board are thrilled to support A New Direction’s learning curriculum.

“This is an intriguing concept that will enable London’s public primary schools and SEND settings’ primary-aged students to be creative.”First-class learning should be available to everyone, regardless of background or aptitude. Achieving more social mobility is an important aspect of this, and we want to see it promoted at all levels of the City Corporation.

Steve Moffitt, MBE, CEO of A New Direction, said:

“This is a very proud occasion for us. Primary Arts was founded in response to the Gulbenkian study “The Arts in Schools – Foundations for the Future” (March 2023), which highlights challenges to cultural education and arts in schools’ success.”We are well aware of the financial challenges that schools face in terms of staff retention and the well-being of both students and staff. This is why, through Primary Arts, we are expanding on the good work of London educators by providing free chances to promote well-being, confidence, personal interest, and professional growth.

“We appreciate the generous contribution of The City of London Corporation City Educational Trust Fund. We hope that this three-year program is one of many that begin to address the recommendations of the Gulbenkian report.”The curriculum is intended to incorporate children in Reception through Year 6, as well as their educators. Pupils will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including in-school performances and cultural experiences spanning theatre, film, and visual arts at various London venues.

 Notes to Editors

About the City of London Corporation

The City of London Corporation is the Square Mile’s governing body, dedicated to a lively and thriving City, promoting a diverse and sustainable London within an internationally successful UK.www.cityoflondon.gov.uk.The £3.6 million financing comes from the City Educational Trust Fund, for which the City of London Corporations’ Education Board acts 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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