Cultural Learning Alliance

It’s out! ?? The long-awaited Curriculum and Assessment Review interim report has been published today. The Review panel has concluded – in line with our #ReportCard2024 findings – that the EBacc constrains pupils’ choices and limits their access to Arts subjects. We will share our full response in the coming days. Read the interim report: https://lnkd.in/gyQZxEa8

CLA Research Spotlight - Feb 2025 Each month Professor Thomson puts a spotlight on a report that is particularly relevant for CLA, and which adds to the growing body of international evidence on the value of arts teaching and experiences, in and out of school. This month we have a focus on the effects of arts education on school engagement, attendance and academic attainment, as surveyed in Boston Public Schools. Read more: https://buff.ly/4h6DOie

CLA Latest Thinking: Researching the Arts in Primary Schools (The RAPS Report) To mark the publication of a major Freelands Foundation-funded study on arts-rich primary schools, Professor Pat Thomson, co-author of the report, shares key findings and insights. Following CLA’s webinar launch of the report, she reflects on what it takes to build and sustain an arts-rich school system. https://buff.ly/3Xl56KB Image: Curious Minds Artsmark Small & Rural (St Mary’s Primary School). Credit: Henry Iddon.

CLA Latest News - Feb 2025 Another bumper month for news, reflecting just how much is going on in our sector right now. - Ofsted’s new consultation & a major arts education campaign - Arts teacher shortages & DfE cultural education cuts - More cuts in Higher Education & challenges in dance education - A report on the new National Music Plan And from the cultural sector: - New government funding for arts & culture - A review of Arts Council England - A creative industries cash boost & parliamentary debate - New funding announcements from Creative Scotland Read more: https://buff.ly/4hXpSIy

From The Guardian: Working-class creatives don’t stand a chance in UK today, leading artists warn.

One week to go ?? Join us for the Launch of the RAPS Report! 25 Feb 2025, 7 – 8.15pm. Online Examining primary schools where the arts and/or creative approaches are flourishing We're pleased to announce our second panelist - Johanne Clifton, Head of Curriculum and Virtual Learning, The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust ?? Speakers include: ?? Prof. Pat Thomson & Prof. Christine Hall (RAPS Report Co-Authors) ?? Chair: Jacqui O’Hanlon MBE (Royal Shakespeare Company) ?? Panel: Kerri Sellens (Lansbury Lawrence Primary) & other school leaders ?? Spaces are limited – Register now: https://buff.ly/3QkNsTB

Join us - CLA Webinar: Launch of Researching the Arts in Primary Schools Report 25 Feb 2025 | 7 – 8.15pm | Online The RAPS research examines primary schools where the arts and creative approaches are flourishing, identifying the conditions that enable this and the benefits for children. Given the lack of data on Expressive Arts in primary schools—highlighted in our 2024 Report Card—this report is more important than ever. The RAPS report is published by the University of Nottingham School of Education and is funded by the Freelands Foundation. ?? Speakers: ?? Professor Pat Thomson & Professor Christine Hall (RAPS Report Co-Authors) ?? Chair: Jacqui O’Hanlon MBE (Royal Shakespeare Company) ?? Panel: Kerri Sellens & other school leaders Limited places available. Register early to secure your spot: https://buff.ly/4gtJ6nx

CLA Research Spotlight: January 2025 Introducing our new monthly feature for 2025 – Professor Pat Thomson, our Senior Evidence Associate, surveys the latest research on arts and cultural learning. This month we have a focus on the value of out-of-school arts programmes for young people in underserved communities. The research originates from Australia and the United States and draws on 11 international studies. Read more: https://buff.ly/4gelcfY

CLA Latest Thinking: Shaping Creative Futures with Young People at the Centre An international perspective from Douglas Lonie, one of the authors of the British Council’s new UK Arts and Young People Report, published at the end of last year. Douglas highlights practice that is responding to global agendas on young people’s creative rights and futures. Read more: https://buff.ly/3EmoeBf

CLA Latest News: January 2025 Our January edition features key updates in education and the arts including: - Challenges ahead with school budget warnings for 2025. - Ed Sheeran uses CLA data to shape his new music education foundation. - The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill – what it means for education. - A new Creative Industries Taskforce launching soon - The UK’s first state school in partnership with a professional symphony orchestra. - Ofsted head: SEND is the biggest issue facing schools. Read more: https://buff.ly/4h9hhC9