An analysis of the 2011 GCSE results showed that the gap in achievement between FSM students and other students was significant. FSMAll 5 or more GCSEs A* - C50%82%

By looking at registers of attendance of extra-curricular arts group offered it also became apparent that a very low number of students who attended were on FSM.

Why was the number of children with FSM who attended extra-curricular activities so low? If more students on FSM started to attend extra- curricular arts activities, would it positively affect their overall exam achievement?

Raising the profile and status of the creative arts within school. Making the creative arts subjects and creative arts extra- curricular groups more inclusive.

Leadership of the Choir Project Aim: To raise the profile of singing within Cheney School and to encourage students from different backgrounds to engage with singing. Strategy: To work with students from feeder primary schools to raise the profile of singing/music at primary school level, and to encourage students from different backgrounds to continue with extra-curricular arts activities when they arrive at Cheney.

Leadership of the Choir Project Was the project successful? I am currently working with 50 students from Bayard’s Hill Primary school from years 3, 4, and 5 and 25 students from Windmill Primary school from years 5 and 6 in preparation for a community concert with Cheney School Choir and Orchestra in December ‘’ The current arrangements are highly successful in strengthening primary school links and raising the schools’ music profile. Choral activities are of an exceptionally high standard’’ Music Dept review Oct 2012 Long term success of engaging students on FSM with extra-curricular arts activities and their academic achievement is still to be determined.

Leadership of whole school application for Artsmark. “ Artsmark is Arts Council England’s flagship programme to enable schools and other organisations to evaluate, strengthen and celebrate their arts and cultural provision. Holding Artsmark status demonstrates that your school or setting values the arts and culture. It raises the public profile of a school or setting in the eyes of prospective students, their families and across the wider community.” I am currently leading a team of HoDs in applying for Artsmark status. Leading the application includes collecting evidence and writing a whole school Arts Policy.

I have become much more aware of my own leadership styles and I how I use them to suit different situations. I have gained valuable experience of leading a bigger team of colleagues. I have a better understanding of the leadership of whole school initiatives.

Colleagues leading arts subjects and extra-curricular arts groups to have a greater awareness of the types of students engaging with their subjects, and an understanding of the need to attract students from different backgrounds. The value of using the creative arts across the whole curriculum.