National recognition in the arts for The Forest School

The Forest School are celebrating this term after being nationally recognised for their outstanding contribution in the arts.
The Forest School Art Award pupils perform at The Captiol Theatre, Horsham during the Youth Awards SUS-141111-101737001The Forest School Art Award pupils perform at The Captiol Theatre, Horsham during the Youth Awards SUS-141111-101737001
The Forest School Art Award pupils perform at The Captiol Theatre, Horsham during the Youth Awards SUS-141111-101737001

Artsmark Gold is the Arts Council England’s flagship programme and has been awarded to the Compton’s Lane school for its commitment to, and excellence in, arts and cultural education.

“We are thrilled to be one of a few boys schools in the country with Artsmark and to achieve Artsmark Gold is the icing on the cake!” said Headteacher Siobhan Denning.

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“With only 20% of schools across the country holding Artsmark and of these, less than half being Artsmark Gold we are thrilled to have been recognised for the work that we do across drama, music, art, dance, media and cultural development,” she added.

Subject Leader for Music and Arts Extra-Curriculum Co-ordinator, Jane Bowen-Melfi, was also delighted with the award.

“Receiving Artsmark Gold is fantastic recognition of the real commitment we make in providing a hugely diverse range of top quality drama, music, dance, media, art and design for all pupils.

“It was fabulous to see so many boys talking so enthusiastically to the assessor about their involvement in the arts and the enormous impact that this has on them. Through the award process we have been able to evaluate, strengthen and celebrate our arts and cultural provision.”

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The Forest School is well known for the wealth of arts provision on offer throughout the curriculum and its extracurricular clubs and activities, and prides itself on ensuring opportunities are open to every pupil across the school.

“Developing a love of the arts brings so many benefits to young people and we ensure that every boy at the school has the opportunity to experience this,” added Jane.

Not only are the boys involved, celebration of the arts is also shared with parents, families, friends and the wider community through the many concerts, school productions, shows, competitions, workshops and exhibitions that take place throughout the year both within the school and in the local community. Something that Community & Enrichment Manager Laura Ward is particularly passionate about.

“One of the strengths of our application was not only that we offer great things for our pupils but we share this with the wider community through school events and our Community Programme.”

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Headteacher Siobhan Denning concluded: “I would like to thank all the pupils, staff, parents and friends of the school whose hard work and dedication have made this award possible.”

Report and pictures contributed by The Forest School.