Southwark school wins national award for arts

People occupying flats to rent in Southwark have seen the local Charles Dickens Primary School claim a national award recognising its commitment to promoting the arts.

The educational establishment has been presented with the Artsmark Gold award by the Arts Council, the fourth time it has claimed this accolade since it started entering the competition on a biennial basis following its first win in 2004.

Pupils at the school were able to impress judges by showcasing their skills in areas such as drama, dance, music, poetry and art, all of which are taught from the age of six via classes and projects that foster individual talents.

The school recognises the role arts can play in helping children to develop a sense of confidence and self-esteem, employing a part-time resident artist and musician who have taught and worked at the school for more than eight years.

These provisions have helped Charles Dickens Primary School to attract the attentions of the Artsmark programme, which aims to encourage schools, further education colleges and other institutions to deliver high-quality arts provision, while assessing the standard of services in accordance with rigorous criteria.

Headteacher Teresa de Quincey said pupils' achievements in the arts provide them with creative faculties that benefit them in other subjects, thus helping the school to achieve high academic standards.

Dame Liz Forgan, chair of the Arts Council England, said: "The Charles Dickens School is a shining example of creative teachers using the arts to help even very young children grow in confidence and give them the ability to express themselves eloquently.

"It was a delight to see children so absorbed, so focused and so genuinely creative."

Recently, Southwark Council announced that all primary school students in the area will be provided with free school meals, as part of a drive to help prevent health issue among children.

Posted by Charles Mackay

Published 16th January, 2012

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