Immediate impact, lifetime benefits

Our best results come when we form long-term relationships with schools. Working from term-to-term and year-to-year, we can help develop children throughout their primary education. We become part of a school, offering specialised performance-based lessons that become an integral part of school curriculum plans. We have created just that style of partnership with the staff and children of Mayespark Primary School, Ilford, Essex. Now on our forth year of offering Artis services, each of our three Specialists spend two days a week in the school, rotating their work across the year groups.

Penny Teece, the school’s Acting Deputy Head said: “I’m a great admirer of Artis and the contribution they have made to the children’s development. I have noticed a general, progressive improvement in the way the pupils interact with one another, not just with their friends but as a collective class or group. As individuals they gain a greater sense of self when performing, and more awareness of their physical and verbal expression.   “Creativity in primary learning is important, and through the Artis sessions we found children’s imaginations much more stimulated, contributing to more inventive writing sessions back in the classroom. It was no wonder that Ofsted described Artis work as a strong feature of the curriculum during their last inspection.”   “Every Artis Specialist working at Mayespark gives lessons that are very good to outstanding. They support Planning, Preparation and Assessment (PPA) time, and that weekly reliability is crucial. With such reassuring quality, plus the creative learning and the joy they bring to children, why look anywhere else?”   But it’s not just adults that need to do the talking. The best verdicts come from the consumers. Here’s what Mayespark children say they like most about working with Artis:   “It’s lively and it includes everyone and it’s a nice change from sitting in a classroom all day.”    “The most memorable and favourite activity was pretending to be a Victorian with Chime and horror stories with Bop, because every session we are always learning and having a good time.”   “They are really fun and at PPA there is more exercise.”   “I like making up songs with Chime. And making up actions, going in groups and making pictures with our bodies. You can have fun, learn new games and you can make more friends.”   “They give us all a chance to shine.”   Artis Specialist Chime adds:   “When you see a child suddenly sparkle with enthusiasm and captured by what you’re teaching, it’s a terrific feeling. In fact it’s a privilege. So many times I walk out of a school on a real high. To be able to take a curriculum subject and make it come alive through creative sessions is really rewarding. I know the work we do has a lasting impact, not only for the knowledge we teach, but the skills and development we encourage in each individual child.”