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Isambard Community School

Flux was based at Isambard School and a lot of Flux projects were aimed at students in the school.

Isambard was chosen because it opened in September 2007 with one year group (220 students) and will gradually grow year on year. The school is now a specialist arts college.

Flux Director Kirsty Carter explained, "Part of the Flux programme was about looking at how the arts can be placed at the heart of the curriculum and when this school opened the curriculum planning started with the arts, which is very unusual. The curriculum was planned around themes."

Children at Isambard were taught, in their first two years, by professional artists, supported by the rest of the teaching staff.

Rachael Mattey, Headteacher of Isambard Community School, explained what Flux means to the school:

"What does the Flux project bring to Isambard that is so special? Quite simply, a range of opportunities to work creatively, with professional artists, in an inspiring way.

"It would take the school years to build relationships with the range of artists we have if left to our own devices. Having the Flux team on hand to source our arts provision has given us access to dancers, actors, musicians, film makers and a whole range of visual artists in our very first year as a new school.

"Real artists don’t paint for an hour, then pack away and dance for an hour, then pack away and sing for an hour. Neither do our students. They immerse themselves in the art form for at least a day at a time – giving them the opportunity to live the true creative experience.

"Does it work? You bet it does! These young people are willing to try anything! Our talent show competition had 27 quality entries from 60 students performing solo or in groups – that’s over 35% of our entire school. The enrichment programme enables students to continue with activities ‘tasted’ in school eg cartoon club, rock school, young documentors, contemporary dance.

"Last, but by no means least, the students have had the opportunity to gain the nationally accredited Arts Award."