The Victory Academy is celebrating national recognition after being featured in an Arts Award interview blog, highlighting the school’s innovative approach to delivering the Bronze Arts Award across an entire Year 7 cohort.
The feature showcases how the Chatham-based school has successfully embedded creativity and culture into everyday learning, ensuring all students have access to high-quality arts experiences. It also recognises the academy’s ability to deliver a large-scale programme that remains both inclusive and meaningful for every individual student.
Speaking in the interview, Carley Dawkins, Assistant Headteacher for Key Stage 3 and Creative Curriculum, explained the thinking behind the approach:
“We believe that every young person deserves access to high-quality cultural experiences. By placing creativity at the heart of the curriculum, we’ve been able to design a programme that allows students to explore their identity while developing confidence, creativity and a sense of belonging.”
The initiative brought together the entire Year 7 cohort in a shared creative journey, where students explored themes of identity, heritage and self-expression. Alongside developing artistic skills, they also strengthened their ability to reflect, communicate ideas and make personal connections to their work.
Despite its scale, the programme enabled each student to produce work that was both individual and meaningful, culminating in a collective outcome that celebrated diversity, community and student voice.
This national recognition reflects the dedication and collaboration of staff across The Victory Academy, who have developed an approach that is both ambitious and inclusive. It also underlines the school’s commitment to ensuring that all students benefit from a rich and engaging arts education.
Take a moment to read through the interview and learn more about the school’s approach by clicking the button below.
Read full interview