Beam Blog

  1. Framework for the National Curriculum

    Framework for the National Curriculum

    By Stephen Dolman on 3rd January 2012

    In the run up to Christmas there was great news for all of us who believe that ‘the arts’ have a key role to play in this country’s education system. The publication by Department for Education of a Review of the National Curriculum by the ‘expert panel’ led by Tim Oates recognises our belief, the belief of many others in our sector and the extensive research available, and concludes that arts subjects should retain their statutory place in the national curriculum. The expert panel goes further in suggesting that the current national curriculum narrows to early and that ‘the arts’ should become part of every schools curriculum at key stage 4 (14 - 16 year olds).

    The report is on the Department for Education web site (get a copy here), and should be read by all involved in arts education. Not only does it provide a well thought out and secure vision for the future of the National Curriculum it also provides a wealth of supporting evidence that will help arts charities with funding bids for their programmes.

    Michael Gove is to allow more time for the new National Curriculum to allow for the more radical reform of both the curriculum and qualifications that arise from the report. Further details of this are on the Department for Education web site.

    The recommendations have not yet been agreed or adopted by the Government - so those advocating for the role of the arts in our schools should continue to push for the case and be part of the debate.

  2. Beam Interns Speak Out

    By Frances Smith on 21st December 2011

    beam photobooth
    (From left: Clare Wellham, Cassie Hughes)


    Since October we have had our first interns experiencing life in the Beam offices.  Here’s what they have to say about their ten weeks with us:


    Clare Wellham

    I graduated in 2009 with a 2:1 English and Media from Leeds Trinity and All Saints, since graduating I have done several arts internships, specializing in arts marketing. My main passion is creative writing, after BEAM I hope to have enough experience to get a job within the arts and culture sector, preferably with a literature aspect.  I was extremely excited to be awarded the internship with BEAM and was happy that they allowed me to be flexible to fit in with my part time job. It is a small and friendly team and I was made to feel welcome straight away and wasn’t over faced with a million tasks, which is a good start!

    My main task was to come up with a funding bid for the Clore Duffield literature and Poetry grant. This appealed to me straight away as my background is in literature and events. Along the way I found out some fascinating facts about the orangery, and the important literary figures it has been linked with. My day-to-day tasks included marketing the Orangery and its upcoming events, along with research and creating an event for the Artwalk in Wakefield. In the end we decided to do an evening of film along with an exhibition, the evening was a success and the popcorn went down a treat.

    My biggest achievement has been finishing the funding application. I love coming up with ideas and getting other people excited about them. Hopefully once the application has been put in it will be accepted and I can see my project start to come to life.  If not then I have still had great experience coming up with a literary project and seeing it through to the application stage.

    Beam has helped me develop my social media skills, along with my computer skills. They have also been really supportive in helping me find jobs for when the internship finishes. Overall I have gained invaluable experience, met some really great people (ate a lot of nice tapas) and have left with an even better CV!


    Cassie Hughes

    Since graduating in 2010 with a 2.1 degree in Media Production, I have worked in the arts as a Creative Practitioner for a mental health charity.  Before finding this placement I was looking for an opportunity to further my skills and enter into arts management.  I was very happy when I secured a place on BEAM’s internship program.

    Since Day 1 we were encouraged to get stuck in!  After being introduced to everyone in the office, I was working on flyers and displays for a community project in South Kirby.  I got the chance to really get involved by supporting the first workshop and meeting the neighbourhood who would be benefitting from BEAM’s work.  I have learnt a lot about funding projects and administration through this experience. 

    Another major project was the November ArtWalk.  Working with Clare we created a Secret Cinema exhibition, using short films from local filmmakers to showcase our region. The evening was a huge success and it was great to see all our hard work pay off. 

    BEAM is a friendly place with great people working behind it.  Everyone supports you and wants you to get the most out of your internship. I really enjoyed my time here.

    P.S. You will be fed well.

     

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