ARTS AWARD
Arts Award at Sarah Armstrong Art
Creative skills. Artistic discovery. Recognised achievement.
At Sarah Armstrong Art, we believe that art is about more than what you make. It's about exploring ideas, discovering artists, developing new skills and finding your own creative voice.
We're proud to be a registered Arts Award centre, offering children and young people the opportunity to develop their artistic skills and work towards recognised arts awards through engaging, practical visual art experiences.
What is Arts Award?
Arts Award is a nationally recognised programme of arts qualifications and introductory awards for children and young people up to the age of 25. It is awarded by Trinity College London and supports young people to develop their creativity, artistic knowledge, confidence and communication skills.
Through Arts Award, young people can take part in creative activities, discover artists and their work, develop their own practice and reflect on what they've learnt.
Rather than a traditional exam, participants build a record of their creative journey through an arts log or portfolio, providing evidence of their experiences, learning and achievements.
There are five levels: Discover, Explore, Bronze, Silver and Gold. At Sarah Armstrong Art, we are beginning with Discover and Explore, with opportunities to progress as our provision develops.
Our art form: Visual arts
Our Arts Award provision focuses on visual arts, including drawing, painting, mixed media, illustration, collage, sculpture and other creative processes.
Children are encouraged to experiment with materials, explore different techniques, learn about artists and develop their own ideas. The emphasis is on creative exploration, personal expression and learning through making.
Arts Award provides a framework for recognising this learning, helping children understand not only what they create, but also the ideas, inspiration and skills behind their work.
Which Arts Award is right for my child?
Arts Award Discover
Designed for ages 5–17
Discover is an introductory award for children beginning their Arts Award journey.
Children take part in arts activities, find out about artists and their work, and share what they've discovered and enjoyed.
At Sarah Armstrong Art, this could involve experimenting with different drawing and painting techniques, exploring the work of an artist, creating original artwork and recording their discoveries along the way.
On successful completion, children receive an Arts Award Discover certificate from Trinity College London.
Arts Award Explore
Designed for ages 5-17
Explore offers children the opportunity to investigate the arts in greater depth, build their creative skills and gain a recognised qualification.
Participants take part in arts activities, explore artists and arts organisations, create their own artwork and share what they've learnt and achieved.
Through practical projects and guided reflection, children develop their artistic understanding, independence and confidence while building a personal record of their progress.
Explore is an Entry Level 3 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
Arts award levels bronze, silver & gold (designed for ages 11-17) will be available later in 2027.
A recognised and accredited programme
Sarah Armstrong Art is a registered Arts Award centre, authorised to deliver Arts Award through Trinity College London.
Our Arts Award provision is led by a trained Arts Award adviser, who supports participants throughout their creative journey and assesses their work against the requirements of the relevant award.
This means families can feel confident that the programme follows an established framework, with clear learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Successful participants can receive their award through Trinity College London.
Arts Award is designed to be inclusive and adaptable, allowing young people to explore their interests, work in different ways and develop at their own pace.
How can my child take part?
Arts Award will be available as an optional addition to selected Sarah Armstrong Art classes and programmes, beginning with our home education art provision.
The programme will combine practical art-making with opportunities to explore artists, develop creative knowledge and document progress towards an award.
We'll provide further information about suitable programmes, enrolment, timescales and any additional qualification costs before families commit.
Whether your child is just beginning to explore their creativity or is ready to develop their skills further, Arts Award offers an opportunity to celebrate their artistic journey and have their achievements recognised.
Interested in Arts Award at Sarah Armstrong Art?
Get in touch to find out more about upcoming opportunities.