Wac Arts

About

Wac Arts College offers a beacon of hope to disengaged young people by using creativity to open the door to learning and development.

Story

Wac Arts College is a one of a kind alternative provision free school. Based in the Wac Arts building in Belsize Park the college will offer a performing arts and media based curriculum to 14-19 year olds who are not thriving in mainstream school.

There are two programme streams at Wac Arts College: one for students aged 14-16, the other for those aged 16-19. The programmes cover dance, digital arts, animation and web design, drama and performance, music technology, photography, physical theatre, video editing, vocals and spoken word, English and mathematics. We offer small classes so that each student gets the attention they deserve and need. Qualifications on offer include Open College Network units, BTEC, Arts Awards, Functional Skills and GCSE English and mathematics. Beyond sessions at the school itself, the programmes will include visits, trips and work experience – great ways for students to develop networks and make contacts.

Students

Wac Arts College students are creative, motivated people, ready to work hard to achieve success in the creative industries. If you want to apply to Wac Arts College, you first of all need to be referred to the school.

For 14-16s, the referral must be made by your school or Local Authority. Referrals are part of the London Borough of Camden’s options process and of other boroughs’ processes too. Referrals are accepted in March, September and January each year. For 14-16 year olds, priority is given to ‘Looked After’ children. Applicants will also be given priority if they are at risk of exclusion from school or have been excluded, if they are engaged with a Youth Offending Team, have special educational needs, or meet disability criteria. Priority will also be given to students who have additional needs that affect their ability to cope in mainstream education, or if they have no school place.

The 16-19s programme is designed for young people who have left school with few or no qualifications. People aged 16-19 can refer themselves or be referred by their school, Social Services, Youth Offending Teams, hostels and hospitals, family centres or Youth Offender Institutions. Priority will be given to applicants who are care leavers, ex-offenders, homeless or have a young family, or to people who are refugees, or newly arrived in the UK.

Interest in the performing arts and the media will be the priority when considering applications. If we think Wac Arts College could be right for you, we will invite you for taster classes and interview.

To find out more about us and how to register your interest, visit our website.

Mission

We really care about our students and we want them to be happy. During their time with us we want to:
- Help them reach their fullest creative potential
- Help them overcome any barriers holding back their creativity
- Encourage them to learn
- Teach them the right tools and skills for success