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Primary school strikes gold
A Hartlepool primary school has landed a major national award for its commitment to the arts and culture.
West View Primary School is celebrating after receiving the prestigious Artsmark Gold Award which is accredited by Arts Council England.
In their feedback, Artsmark assessors said: “West View Primary School has made significant strides in embedding arts and culture as part of its core identity, creating a richer, more equitable curriculum for all pupils.
“You have a bespoke curriculum for Art and Music and have set up an Arts team which is building a shared understanding of what quality in the arts curriculum means for your school.”
They go on to praise the school for creating partnerships to enhance arts provision including street dance, drama projects and specialist music tuition.
Assessors continued: “Partnerships with arts organisations have combined with inclusive clubs like Glee and recorder to create a range of opportunities that are truly accessible, supported by the school’s commitment that no child pays for clubs and that trips are heavily subsidised.
“Congratulations on achieving Artsmark Gold. We look forward to hearing about the impact of your work as you move forward.”
Rachael Johnson, a class teacher and Art and Design Lead at West View Primary School, said: “We’ve been working towards the Artsmark Gold Award for the last couple of years and we are absolutely delighted to receive it
“The award demonstrates that the arts and culture is embedded throughout the school and is testament to the wide range of opportunities which we offer to our children.”
West View Primary School is one of ten primary schools across Hartlepool, Teesside and County Durham under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust.
Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra, commented: “Art is an important part of the school curriculum, and this award shows that West View is excelling in many areas.
“I’d like to congratulate everyone at the school for their hard work in achieving this significant national award.”
The other Ad Astra Academy Trust schools are Barnard Grove, Brougham and West Park in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.
Click on the link below to listen to Racheal Johnson’s reaction to gaining the Artsmark Gold Award.