How the arts can help when it comes to levelling up (sponsored)

It is the most disadvantaged pupils who have been most affected by the coronavirus pandemic, evidence suggests.

https://www.suttontrust.com/our-research/covid-19-and-social-mobility-impact-brief/ (Research by The Sutton Trust) shows that children from more affluent backgrounds are more likely to have had regular online lessons and more support in their schooling during the lockdowns.

In the past year or so, a range of initiatives has been announced by the Department for Education that aim to "level up" this disparity in lost learning: the National Tutoring Programme and the Catch-up Premium, to name just a couple. In December 2021, £10 million was pledged to boost maths and literacy.

But a recent report from the Sutton Trust highlights the opportunity that more creative subjects can play when it comes to the Covid recovery.

So what role can the arts really play when it comes to levelling up?

In this bonus edition of the Tes podcast, four experts explore this further, and discuss why the arts have a critical role to play in levelling up the most disadvantaged students in our schools, and how leaders can overcome the barriers to ensure they do so.

This podcast is sponsored by Artsmark, the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings accredited by Arts Council England. Put creativity and wellbeing at the heart of your curriculum. Register today at https://www.artsmark.org.uk/ (artsmark.org.uk)