2010: A Norwich Christian project - East Norwich Youth Project (ENYP) - is launching two new initiatives; a recognised arts award qualification for ages 11 - 25 and a new youth club in Thorpe Hamlet for primary school children.

 

The Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification designed to support, encourage and nurture young people aged between 11 and 25 who have an interest in the Arts. They are required to put together a portfolio of evidence, which shows how they have completed the different necessary parts and developed as a result. They record their experiences in whatever form they like, but must cover: taking part in an arts activity, studying an arts hero/heroine, attending a live arts event and setting themselves an arts challenge, which must include them sharing an arts skill.

Arts award advisor and ENYP youth worker Kate Doran-Smith said, "I’ve been interested in Arts Award since I heard about it over a year ago. As ENYP gets to know more young people, I became more and more convinced that offering them a group where they can try out new creative things and develop as young artists and art leaders would be beneficial to the individuals involved as well as the project as a whole. Having the privilege of accompanying some young people on their GCSE results day this August cemented my belief that we must offer an alternative national framework to those that both struggle and thrive with traditional forms of examination and assessment.

"Arts award suits everyone from gifted and talented to those with additional support needs, as they set their own targets and monitor their own achievements. Many schools and groups already offer Arts Award, but I’m unaware of any in the East of Norwich area. I’m really excited that ENYP are going to pioneer this project and willing to give it a go!"

There will be an introduction and presentation on Thursday 16 September at the St Andrew’s Centre (behind the Good Shepherd church on Thunder Lane) at 7pm. Any young person with an interest is welcome to come along (with a parent/carer or alone) to find out more, ask any questions and eat cake! Registration forms will be available and sessions will run fortnightly during term time.

 

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‘Defenders’ is another new club starting this month. It is for children attending Year 1 to Year 6 and will operate at St Matthew Church, Thorpe Hamlet on alternate Mondays from 3.45-5pm. Parents and carers are welcome to come into the church from 3.30pm to chat to the team and have a drink.

The ENYP youth workers are working closely with Lionwood Infant and Junior schools, making sure that they deliver a club that’s relevant and wanted by the local community.

‘Defenders’ will cover craft, games, stories and workshops which will be based around a different theme each half term. The first two sessions will cover ‘Storms’. One local mum said “It’s great to have somewhere to take the kids after school where they get to have fun and be creative and it doesn’t cost a fortune!” Sessions cost just £1 and dates this half term are Monday 27^th Sept and Monday 11^th October. No need to book in, just turn up on the day – we hope to see you there!