ENGAYNE AWARDED ARTSMARK GOLD

Engayne Primary School, Upminster are celebrating having been awarded the `Artsmark Gold' Award by the Arts Council, England in recognition of their commitment to all of the arts. These include Music, Drama and Dance as well as Art and Design.

In order to obtain this award Engayne had to complete an extensive application. They provide excellent links with Art organisations and the outside community, and offer many art based after school activities for the children which go above and beyond that offered by other schools. A representative from Artsmark then toured Engayne, speaking to both the staff and the children before deciding if the school was worthy of receiving the Award.

Anna Pettit, Art & Design Curriculum Leader quotes: “This is a remarkable achievement for Engayne. We are incredibly proud of all the children and staff who have made this possible. Achieving such a prestigious award as the `Artsmark Gold' acknowledges all the fantastic opportunities that we provide for all of the children here at Engayne Primary School.”

Moira Sinclair, Executive Director of Arts Council England, London quotes: “Great art inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves, and the world around us. In short, it makes life better and children and young people's engagement in the arts and creativity can be highly transformational. It is for this reason that Artsmark is so important. It is a recognition of real commitment by a school to creativity and to the significant role that arts can play in the learning and development of our young people.”

24.6.08