Terrific ten celebrate Artsmark success

A bumper crop of 10 Royal Borough schools have stepped up to the (Arts)mark and are this week celebrating success in the nationwide arts award scheme.

The successful schools have all scooped Artsmark success in the latest round of awards which recognise schools with a high level of provision in the arts - including a record six golds out of this year's ten in the prestigious awards.

This year's successes mean that nearly half of all Royal borough schools now hold bronze, silver or gold Artsmark awards for their commitment to the arts - with several schools achieving gold for a second or third time.

This year's gold "stars" are Cox Green, Furze Platt Junior and Oldfield Primary schools in Maidenhead; Windsor Boys' School, Holyport Primary School and St Edward's Royal Free Ecumenical Middle School in Windsor.

Silver awards go to Newlands and Furze Platt senior schools in Maidenhead; and Artsmark awards to St Mary's Catholic Primary School, Maidenhead and St Peter's CE Middle School in Windsor.

Cllr Eileen Quick, lead member for children's services, said: "What a wonderful result for our borough schools! I would like to congratulate everyone involved in achieving such great successes - everyone should be really proud of these achievements.

"This year's record number of gold awards reflects our unswerving commitment to promoting the arts in our schools and to encourage schools to involve the local community in their arts activities.

"The schools which are already involved in Artsmark are setting a real example to other schools in the borough and I would like to encourage all schools to consider taking part and applying for Artsmark status."

The Artsmark scheme - managed by Arts Council England - recognises schools with a high level of provision in the arts and provides a benchmark for arts provision which encourages schools to consider the opportunities they offer in art, dance, drama and music.

The award aims to:
• encourage schools to increase the range of arts opportunities provided to pupils
• raise the profile of arts education
• recognise and spread good practice in providing the arts
• give young people in schools more opportunities to access the arts
• encourage schools, artists and arts organisations to work together.

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