Pupils with arts of gold

FREEHOLD pupils Salma Begum (11), Mafaz Ghafoor (7) and Sufyan Ul-Haq (5) show off their work

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

SEVEN Oldham schools are celebrating national arts success.

Failsworth and Radclyffe high schools have scooped coveted Artsmark Gold awards along with Freehold Primary School.

Silver awards have gone to Crompton Primary and Firwood Manor Preparatory School while Crompton House and Broadfield Primary have received Artsmarks.

The awards by Arts Council England recognise outstanding teaching in the likes of visual art, music, theatre, creative writing and dance.

Only schools which dedicate a minimum of 15 per cent of teaching time to the arts can receive a top award, 12 per cent for a silver and 10 per cent for an Artsmark.

They also have to provide professional development for teachers and be involved with local artists and arts groups.

Assistant head teacher Andy Meehan co-ordinated Radclyffe’s bid and said: “I am delighted that the Arts Council has recognised the school’s dynamic arts education programme.

“Our students have really enjoyed working with professional artists and writers and I’d like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award.”

All Artsmark winners from the North West will receive their accolades at a celebration at the Brindley Arts Centre in Runcorn on September 21.