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Arts Award

Inclusive qualifications at Sound Vision

What are they?

An Arts Award is a qualification for young people aged 25 and under designed to support them in connecting with and participating in the arts. There are five levels – Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold.

The organisation behind Arts Award is Trinity College London, a leading international exam board, publisher and independent education charity. They work as the external moderator in association with Arts Council England.

Sound Vision has been an accredited Arts Award Centre since 2021.

Who are they for?

Trainees aged 25 years or under in any of our Sound Academy or Sound Music programmes are eligible for participation in an Arts Award. For those on Alternative Provision, participation decisions are made by our school partners.

In line with our mission for equal opportunities for all, Alternative Provision students not selected can choose to attend our After School training to become eligible.

How do they benefit trainees?

Whilst our inclusive training is a worthwhile experience, the addition of an accredited outcome has significant value. It signals to future employers a young person’s commitment to developing their employability, skills and experience. In some cases, they show evidence of educational achievement in place of formal qualifications such as GCSEs.

Not only can young people discover the enjoyment of participating in arts activities, they can develop creative and communication skills that are essential for success in 21st-century life.

The certification follows an inclusive framework that requires less formal teaching time than other examination processes. It encourages creativity and recognises individual achievement. The flexibility of the accreditation means that they can be delivered in any setting, making them particularly appealing to those who struggle to engage with formal learning in the classroom at school or college.

Sound Vision offers skills-based learning in safe environments where young people can develop their creativity without the fear of being ridiculed. We believe encouraging creativity and self-expression is central to wellbeing, building resilience and positive progression.

Sound Vision offers welcoming environments where young people with additional needs can benefit from working in small groups with experienced special needs educational professionals.

“

I’m excited about Tuesdays because that is when I come to Sound Vision. It is where I get to be me – no matter what! Because being me is the most important thing there is. Coming to Sound Vision, I feel like part of something and have lovely people around me. Everything is really fun, and it’s very welcoming for people that are creative and who are not as confident.”

Alice, Aged 14, Y9 Norton Hill School

Which levels do we offer?

We have a flexible approach and take the time to assess each trainee to ensure they are on the best possible path to achieving their potential. Someone younger or with an educational disability may benefit more from the entry levels of Discover and Explore. Whereas trainees who have completed the Bronze award might find a more challenging certification empowering.

Sound Vision most frequently delivers the Bronze Arts Award, in which the trainees are working at and assessed at comparable standards to GCSEs. Our Arts Award Bronze course is customised for our trainees and requires a commitment of 2 hours a week across five months of school term time.

We have a growing network of Sound Academy training hubs including Somer Valley FM in Midsomer Norton, Riverside Radio in Wandsworth, and Tone FM in Taunton.

Our Funders

The Sperring Charity
The Dulverton Trust
Sunrise Foundation
St. John’s Foundation
Somerset Community Foundation
Quartet Community Foundation
Medlock Charitable Trust
Lottery Community Fund
HM Government