Skipton schools celebrate Artsmark Gold award (From Craven Herald)

Skipton schools celebrate Artsmark Gold award

9:00am Tuesday 2nd October 2012 in News

Two artistic Skipton schools have struck gold.

Christ Church and Water Street primary schools have been awarded the coveted Artsmark Gold award by the Arts Council England.

They are among only five per cent of English primary schools to hold gold status, recognising of the schools’ commitment to, and excellence in, arts education.

Simone Bennett, head of Christ Church School, said: “We are delighted that, in addition to offering an outstanding academic programme for our pupils, we have now been recognised for our broad range of high quality arts education.

“Our children have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with a variety of artists and I would very much like to thank the staff for their hard work in achieving this award.”

The school has been awarded bronze and silver in the past, but this is the first year it has achieved the highest level of gold. It was praised for providing exciting art experiences and its belief in the power of creativity.

And Water Street School has won its second gold award.

Its award states: “The staff at Water Street recognise the unique and powerful role that the arts have in helping all children achieve their full potential.”

It also praises the “creative and inspiring curriculum”, as well as school productions, out-of-school provision and cross-curricular planning.

Water Street is a “school that sings”, it added.

Alan Davey, chief executive of Arts Council England, said: “Artsmark, now nationally recognised as a prestigious and coveted award, sets the standard for outstanding arts provision in schools.”