b'THE ELLESMERIANArts Award 202372In starting to lead Arts Award in September 2022, I considered whatLater in the year we focused on Arts Fest, an interactive carousel of arts experiences and opportunities we could make available to our studentsworkshops devised and delivered by our students for primary school through this activity. Knowing that students learn to review live artsstudents in Years 3 and 4. We welcomed over 100 visitors to the College events and then go on to devise and lead their own, it seemed sensibleand they took part in everything from soundscapes and fashion design to focus on immersing the students in professional theatre, galleries, andto storyboarding and freeze frames. I was impressed with the care and arts events in the October Expo, and then use their experiences to helpeffort our students took to ensure that their visitors had a positive shape the leadership work that culminated in our Arts Fest in June. experience as well as the development in their communication skills needed to articulate and facilitate the workshops.We took 40 students to London to see Frozen, Hamilton and Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeares Globe Theatre. They also took part in aAll students entered for their Arts Award passed with flying colours and backstage tour of the National Theatre, visited the National Gallery andI would like to say a huge thanks to the Arts Award Coachesour staff British Museum (where they learnt about the Elgin Marbles), and sawteamwho supported and encouraged the students throughout the the giant Gaia installation at Southwark Cathedral. A whirlwind trip jam- year. Arts Fest ended with Cre8, a concert on the Terraces led by Mrs packed with brilliant arts experiences. Zoe Fisher. A beautiful sunny day, where we were joined by staff and students alike as they returned from their own expos.As the year progressed, students continued to work on their Arts Awards, taking on skills challenges, sharing their work, and researchingIn reflecting on the students experience Arts Award provides a chance and presenting on arts practitioners that inspire them. for them to drive their own leaning, and their growing leadership skills. It is easy to see why the Thursday enrichment activities contribute so much to the education of students at Ellesmere.'