Primary Specialism Pilot Programme – Music and the Arts

The DfES and Specialist Schools Trust have selected Stowford School as one of thirty-four schools in the country to participate in the Primary Specialism Pilot Programme from September 2007 until July 2012. Our specialist focus will be Music and the Arts which will provide us with a fabulous opportunity to further develop the curriculum offering new and exciting learning opportunities for every child. We are also required to further develop PE and Sports and will receive additional support from the Youth Sports Trust to achieve this. This will be a four year project initially.

There have been specialist secondary schools since 1994 and long term outcomes have shown that the schools with a specialism have raised standards across the curriculum. The DfES is now interested to see if a primary specialism will have the same impact, particularly raising standards in English and maths. The pilot does differ from the secondary model, as we will be working closely with five geographically close primary schools and linking with ICC in an area that they don’t specialise in. There are only four groups throughout the country that have been selected to work in this way, which gives fantastic recognition to the work of schools and the local community in this area of Devon.





On October 3rd 2007 a group of staff and children took part in a fun training day at Ivybridge Community College. Further details of this can be seen on the specialist teacher’s own website: Click here