Arts Award

Arts Award is an exciting, inclusive and flexible arts-based qualification, accredited by Trinity College London. It is a nationally recognised qualification and is 100% portfolio based; there is no final examination. 

At The Forum Centre we offer the course across four achievement levels- Discover, Explore (Entry level), Bronze (a level 1 qualification) and Silver (a level 2 qualification).

Within the courses, students are encouraged to explore areas of the arts that interest and inspire them. The focus is on progression and reflection. At present, we offer the chance to explore and develop skills in:

  • Fashion & costume design
  • Music
  • Theatrical hair & makeup
  • Crafting

Students document the development of their creative skills, research arts careers and further education avenues, interview/research arts practitioners and enjoy being an audience member for at at least two performances per year, sometimes including a visit to a gallery or theatre. Literacy skills are developed throughout the course, as evaluation and self-reflection are developed through the higher level awards.

Students working at Silver level also develop and hone their leadership skills in a unit entitled ‘Arts Leadership’. In this they choose an area of the arts and develop a substantial creative project that enables them to actively share and pass their skills on to others. The course offers students the chance to work independently at their own pace, whist enjoying the challenge of working with others in the final stages of the course. 

  • Arts Award’s unique qualifications support children and young people to develop as artists and arts leaders.
  • The programme develops skills for success in 21st century life including creativity, leadership, reflective thinking and communication skills. 
  • Young people also develop knowledge and understanding of their chosen art forms.
  • Arts Award is open to anyone aged 25 and under, and embraces all interests and backgrounds.
  • Through Arts Award young people learn to work independently, helping them to prepare for further education and employment.