DGS achieves Artsmark Gold Award

Dartford Grammar School has achieved an Artsmark Gold Award in the recent round of citations as one of just three senior schools in Kent at that level. Artsmark exists to encourage and support schools to give balance to a curriculum centred on EBACC and STEM, believing that a rounded education cannot ignore experience of culture and creativity.

The Music and Drama departments were particularly praised in the award rationale, not only for the standard of teaching and achievement of students, but also for their work with local communities. The award is valid for two years and is very much seen as part of an ongoing journey which will continue, rather than a snapshot in time.

Headmaster John Oakes says; 'I am delighted that Dartford Grammar School has been recognised for our commitment to the arts by the award of the Artsmark Gold Award. At a time when state schools are generally de-prioritising the arts in favour of STEM, we have maintained and even increased our offering in the creative arts within  the school curriculum to give all of our students proper choices as they go out into the world. We have enormous success with STEM, but have carefully ensured that this is not at the expense of the arts. The Mick Jagger Centre here on the school site gives both the school and the local community a physical forum for practice and performance, giving opportunity for extension one into the other and providing a busy hub for music, dance and drama. We shall continue to foster creative ability in our students, and I congratulate the dedicated staff and the extraordinary talent they encourage within the school.'