MEA Leads the Way

The Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA) has been recognised as just one of five schools in the country for delivering the ‘Arts Award’ to such a high standard that they have now been asked to be a Good Practice Centre. 

Clare Griffin, Manchester Enterprise Academy’s Head of Music, leads the ‘Arts Award’ programme within the school. The Academy has been running ‘Arts Award’ with a focus on Music through the last year, which saw twenty-one year 9 students achieving a level 1 qualification and the academy will now be known as a Good Practice Centre. 

Clare said: “It is fantastic news that we have been asked to be a Good Practice Centre especially as we are the only one of five schools in the UK and the only one in the North West. ‘Arts Award’ is about exploring the arts and gaining new experiences, researching their heroes and heroines, going to arts events and passing on their skills to others. The qualification is enormously flexible and allows for creativity from the students.”

Students studying for the award have been learning instruments and exploring music technology. They have performed African drumming for Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton; led workshops with year 6 students from feeder Primary schools; been to concerts and art galleries and have worked with a junk band called Urban Strawberry Lunch.

Alice Young, Head of Arts Award at Trinity College London, added: “We are pleased to recognise the efforts of Manchester Enterprise Academy. Schools across the country offer ‘Arts Award’ to recognise progress within lessons or through clubs, and we hope that our Good Practice Centres will inspire and support many more.”

As a nationally recognised qualification, Arts Award is a great way for young people to explore their creativity, giving them a framework for learning and sharing new skills and having a link between young people and creative professionals in arts and media.

Arts Award is managed by Trinity Colllege London in association with Arts Council England. Employers and colleges recognise it as proof of the student’s skills and commitment. MEA will now attend a focus group in London in July as part of their dedication to being a Good Practice Centre. They will be encouraged to make a difference in the school and community, develop students as effective learners for the future.