John Spence Arts Award

2025

Young people from John Spence High School embarked on their Bronze Arts Award in 2025.

Contexts:

Youth / Training / North Tyneside / North Shields

Partners:

John Spence Community High School

People:

Katie Jayne Appleyard

Tags:

Unlocking Creativity: Bronze Arts Award at John Spence Community High School

Between May and November 2025, young people at John Spence Community High School dove into the world of creative exploration as they worked towards their Bronze Arts Award — a nationally recognised qualification celebrating individual expression and artistic growth.

Their journey was full of hands‑on experiences and discovery, including:

• Drama & Design – From scene‑building to costume creation, students became part of that year’s school production of Beauty and the Beast, bringing stories to life on stage and behind the scenes.
• Special FX Magic – Budding artists explored the imaginative world of special effects makeup, learning techniques to transform faces.
• Inspiration Outdoors – A visit to Seaton Delaval Hall opened new perspectives, with art, architecture, and nature fuelling fresh ideas.
• Creative Exchange – Students actively shared skills and supported one another, building confidence and community in the process.

Each participant documented their personal progress and creative development through bespoke portfolios – showcasing ideas, new skills, and their evolving artistic voice.

What is Bronze Arts Award?

Bronze Arts Award is an accredited award and is a Level 1 qualification on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

A portfolio based award, this will allow you to get creative, develop artistic abilities alongside your research and communication skills.

A great way to get inspired, the Arts Award fits around you and is your chance to express yourself and knowledge in a fun way, which allows you to achieve at the same time.

Find out more here.

Special Fx Magic

It’s makeup – we promise!

Bronze participants were transformed in a workshop with artist Vicky Sandison in September. Discovering the tricks of the trade, young people explored how to transform themselves with the aid of makeup in this fun two-hour workshop. Learning how to create bruises, cuts and gore, the students each experimented with successfully with the techniques.

“What impressed me most was the balance between creativity and practicality. We didn’t just learn “cool tricks,” but also the why behind each method: lighting considerations, product choices, hygiene, and how injuries should progress over time.

By the end of the workshop, I left with a full set of finished looks, new skills, and a lot more confidence. Whether you’re a beginner or already dabbling in SFX makeup, this workshop is absolutely worth it. I’d happily take another class from them!”

Anna, aged 13

A trip to Seaton Delaval Hall

Young people also had the chance to boost their cultural capital with a special trip to Seaton Delaval Hall. For many, it was their very first visit — transport barriers and cost often make exploring local heritage tricky. This project opened the doors wide, giving students a chance to discover a landmark right on their doorstep.
As part of their award, each young person reviewed the venue too, sharpening their communication skills and building confidence in sharing their own opinions.

A day out, a cultural adventure, and a boost to their creative voice all in one.

“This opportunity has really opened my eyes to see how many things in the world rely around different types of art whether it being history all up to modern day. Art is so important especially to our school and I’m grateful you helped a whole class by giving us this chance to fully embrace the universe of art.

Thank you so much.”

Sadie, aged 13

Key Outcomes from the project

15 young people gained arts award equivalent to low level GCSE
Staff regained CPD through shadowing Helix Arts Arts Award advisor
Young people through their skills share engaged family members in the project widening the audience and families members cultural capital.
Young people had created new friendships across year groups with this being an open opportunity across artforms.