11 by 11 programme

11 by 11 is a free programme of creative and cultural activities for children, young people and teachers.

It is a borough-wide commitment for schools, cultural organisations and council services to work together to make sure children and young people can take part in creative and cultural activities, especially those who are most in need and most disadvantaged.  

What 11 by 11 offers

• 11 outstanding cultural experiences for all children and young people in Islington by Year 11
• training, resources and support for teachers, council staff and cultural organisations
• tailor-made activities for children and young people who are most in need or disadvantaged.

Benefits of 11 by 11

Enrichment activities like music and the arts help children to

• develop social and emotional skills, such as communication, self-reliance and team working
• maintain their wellbeing
• become more resilient
• think creatively
• relate more positively to each other in adulthood.

Islington has a wide-ranging and high quality cultural offer, as well as thriving creative industries from arts, crafts and sport to theatre and film. We want to share and celebrate that offer with our diverse school population, making sure everyone can benefit from it in the ways they want to.

However, Islington is also a borough of divide and inequity. The impact of Brexit and the pandemic made inequalities worse, particularly for taking part in cultural activities. 11 by 11 helps us share high quality cultural opportunities available in Islington to all children and young people as part of their school education.

How it works and booking activities

Teachers from each school can book cultural activities.

1. Schools are given two booking periods per year to cover activities across the full academic year. 
2. Look through the activity menu of free 11 by 11 opportunities for schools.
3. Submit a form for your choice(s) of activity.
4. After the booking period has closed, the 11 by 11 team review your requests and offer as many as possible depending on demand and availability.
5. When there is no availability, we will offer activities based on levels of pupil premium and free school meals, other 11 by 11 requests and relevant information from the School Improvement team.
6. When we offer an activity to a school is offered an activity from 11 by 11, we will introduce the teacher to the organisation running the activity by email to agree dates and plans for the activity.

The full online activities menu is coming soon. If you want to know more, please email: 11by11@islington.gov.uk.

Training and support for teachers, key workers and arts educators

11 by 11 offer annual programmes of training sessions for professional development, which explore creative approaches to working with children and young people.

Past-session topics have included:

• anti-racist approaches to writing in the classroom
• creative collaboration: skills and techniques for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) 
• exploring drama and performance with young people
• creative approaches for Early Years groups.

Sessions are free and give teachers and Islington key workers more information about local arts and cultural offers as well as building your knowledge of creative skills.

If you would like more information on upcoming sessions, please email the team at 11by11@islington.gov.uk.