Celebrating the joy of creativity
Rainham Mark Grammar School (RMGS) is an 11-18 co-educational grammar school, located in the Medway region of Kent, with around 1,550 students that promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion.
Artsmark: a catalyst for change
When we started on our Artsmark journey, we knew it would be a catalyst for something special. Using the framework to reflect on our values and ethos, we began to build a more authentic, inclusive, and celebratory environment for our students, staff, and families.
The centrepiece of our Artsmark journey was the creation of the ANVIL Carnival, the school’s first celebration of its past, present, and future. This vibrant event brought the entire school community together through the power of the arts and creativity.
The ANVIL Carnival was full of colour, music, and movement as students engaged with a variety of art forms - from Samba drumming workshops to Afrobeat dance performances. Sixth-form students took on leadership roles, assisting with the making, filming, and showcasing of the event.
But this was more than just a day of celebration. The carnival was deeply rooted in our school’s curriculum, with students exploring folktales from around the world through the lens of the school’s PROUD (Philosophy, Reading, Oracy, Understanding the World, and Debating) initiative.
The universal and intrinsically human interest of reading and telling folktales acted as the inspiration for creative works. Students connected these stories with their own lived experiences and narratives, building a representation of what they valued, constructing a clear communication of our ‘RMGS spirit’ and celebrating different cultures, diversity, and community.
A genuine sense of belonging
The impact of the ANVIL Carnival was immediate and profound. Students spoke of the ‘freedom they felt to express themselves through creativity’ and were visibly excited to participate in something so different from the usual school day. Alumni who returned for the event described it as a ‘very joyous and colourful occasion,’ marvelling at how the school had evolved.
Most importantly, the carnival provided a genuine sense of belonging for the entire school community - from the catering staff and site team, to the former students. It connected the school’s past with its vision for the future, with our young people at the heart of the celebration.
Transforming school culture
This success story demonstrates how valuing arts, culture, and creativity, alongside a school’s commitment to Artsmark and associated quality principles, can start to shift school culture and promote a genuine sense of belonging.
As the school continues its Artsmark journey, the ANVIL Carnival has become a much-anticipated event. Students and staff alike are already buzzing with excitement about when the next celebration will take place.
Begin your Artsmark journey
It’s a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of the arts - not just for students, but for entire school communities. As we celebrate Artsmark this week, Rainham Mark Grammar School’s story is a shining example of how the arts can bring people together, promote inclusion, and ignite a true spirit of creativity and joy.