Ipswich: Sidegate Primary School celebrate national award

Sidegate Primary School was awarded the Artsmark Platinum Award, in recognition of the school's commitment to excellence in the provision of arts.

Accredited by Arts Council England, the Artsmark award is the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings.

The school, which is part of The Active Learning Trust, has seen the positive difference that a long-term investment in the arts can make and has intentionally pursued opportunities to initiate and lead projects that inspire a commitment to the arts.

In its review of the school, the Arts Council England noted that the Ipswich school has continued to 'curate impressive arts offers as part of its curricular and extracurricular strategies.'

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Children at Sidegate Primary School celebrated the award, alongside their celebrations for the King's Coronation. Credit: Athene Communications/Sidegate Primary (Image: Athene Communications/Sidegate Primary)

Jane Ryder, arts and culture lead at Sidegate Primary, said: "As an arts-rich primary school, we are committed to providing opportunities where we can co-create with our pupils so they become the culture creators of the future.

"As we collaborate on projects with artists and arts organisations, children are encouraged to reflect, make links to other opportunities and become aware of careers within the creative industry thus raising aspirations and a sense of belonging."

Matthew Ferrier, head of school at Sidegate, said: "The ambition for arts and culture to be at the core of our curriculum has remained throughout the introduction and refinement of our revised curriculum and our focus on strategic implementation has shifted to the wider curriculum and how that offer is available and accessed by all of our pupils."

Lynsey Holzer, CEO of The Active Learning Trust, said: "I would like to congratulate the school on the fantastic achievement of receiving the Platinum Artsmark Award.

"This highlights the huge commitment and dedication of our staff to promoting and supporting the arts and shows how much our pupils benefit in their learning across the arts."