Woolacombe school's enthusiastic approach to the arts pays off with gold award

By chubbard

WOOLACOMBE School has received yet more accolades for excellence in the arts and sports.

Arts Council England has awarded a Gold Artsmark to Woolacombe Primary School, in recognition of the school's commitment to and excellence in arts education.

Head teacher Sandy Brown, said: "I'm delighted that the Arts Council has recognised Woolacombe School's dynamic arts education programme. Our children have really enjoyed working with local artists like Clare Russell and Sculptors like Stefan Jennings and Katie Lake, as well as our local theatres and Ilfracombe College.

"I would like to thank all our staff, children and parents for their hard work in achieving this award."

Arts Council England, South West Executive Director Chris Humphrey said: "Arts Council England is committed to great art for everyone and we believe that if children are creatively inspired at an early age, they are more likely to have a lifelong engagement with the arts.

"Artsmark sets the standard for outstanding arts in schools and this Artsmark Gold Award recognises Woolacombe School's passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity.

"It's great to see the enthusiasm the Award encourages in the teachers, students and local communities — they should be proud of what they have achieved."

Woolacombe have also been excelling in sports, their latest achievement being crowned champions of the PedPas Ilfracombe Area Athletics Tournament 2009.

The winning team were Georgi Redmore, Sophie Lee-Bennett, Ross Oliver, Billy Larsen, Josh Ball, Devon Huxtable, Molly Ashford, William Bailey, Matthew Porter, Jamie Brocklehurst, Luke Blackie and William Aston.