Newminster and Chantry Middle Schools in Morpeth have both been awarded the prestigious Platinum Artsmark, accredited by Arts Council England. This is the second time that the two schools have been given Artmark’s top ranking. In making these latest awards, which are reassessed every two years, the Artsmark panels praised the breadth of arts and cultural education offerings at the schools, and pointed to the commitment to and the support for these activities given at governing body level. They also commended the clear management at the schools and the collaboration and sharing of the Artsmark experience with other schools. There was recognition of the contribution that the arts could make to the wellbeing, confidence and skills of pupils.
Simon Taylor, CEO of the Three Rivers Learning Trust: ”The Artsmark Platinum Award is very well deserved by both Chantry and Newminster Middle Schools, and celebrates the breadth of our curriculum and the many wider enrichment opportunities, which are available for all students The Three Rivers Learning Trust has a firm commitment to supporting the arts and I would like to congratulate the schools on this wonderful achievement and thank the staff who contribute their expertise and energy to promote the arts.”
Bryan Stewart, Headteacher of Chantry Middle School: “This is fantastic news and a real sign of the dedication of the students and staff towards the Arts at Chantry Middle School. We focus on developing the whole education of each child and this award supports our core aims and philosophy. Well done to all involved!”
Charlotte Jones, Curriculum Leader of the Creative Arts across the two middle schools, who has coordinated progress in the Artsmark journey: “I am so delighted that we have now achieved the Artsmark Platinum Award twice for both schools. This is a huge accolade would not have been possible without the support of pupils, staff, parents and carers, governors and the Trust. The partnerships that we have been able to build and sustain with the local community, together with a range of local, regional and national organisations, have also been essential to our journey. We have shared our Artsmark experience with other schools
Newminster Middle School
Morpeth Newminster Middle School has maintained its high level of commitment to quality arts-rich education. Examples of the school’s diverse and engaging offer include School of Rock, Health and Wellbeing Days, Sign2Sing and Rock Choir, all of which involved large numbers of pupils with TV and media coverage providing a feeling of togetherness and involvement. Arts Awards and competitions provided further opportunities to stretch and challenge pupils. It is clear that Artsmark has become a key contributor in terms of the school’s core values Whole child development is central to your concerns and the arts are a key vehicle for the school in realising its ambitions, inspiring student personal development by broadening experience and supporting social, moral, spiritual and cultural learning. The school continues to take seriously its advocacy role and has contributed to knowledge sharing, for example: staff addressed conferences across the NE detailing your Artsmark journey. They have also presented at events for Bridge North East, MPN and training sessions at T3RLT. The school maintains written blogs and articles, documenting aspects of the Artsmark journey which are distributed through various websites and newsletters. In terms of taking a lead in training and showcasing best practice the Case Study describes how you have organised meetings and training events, delivered by NMS staff, with partner schools, culminating in a future event that will highlight the outstanding musical activities taking place across the partnership from first access musical experiences through to middle and high school ensembles with the aim of exemplifying how music and the Arts are fundamental to a young person’s educational journey.
Congratulations on your Artsmark Platinum Award!
and organisations and hope to be able to do so with many more in the future.”
