Art of gold for Calderdale special school

Woodbank School, Luddenden has been awarded the Art Mark. Staff Katherine Gibson, Richard Rawson and Jenna Port with some of pupils.

The school has been named as a gold Artsmark School for its high quality arts and cultural offering.

READ: Drop in the number of Calderdale pupils eligible for free school meals, figures revealPupils have enjoyed a number of different arts activities, including working with local artists and musicians; participating in major singing concerts at the Victoria Theatre, The Piece Hall and Leeds Town Hall; dance classes and drama activities; and a theatre trip to London to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – complete with a backstage tour.

Only 478 schools in the country have an Artsmark.

READ: Paralysed Halifax mum who managed to walk again inspires studentsA total of 88 schools, including Wood Bank, received the award this time, with just 38 of those being awarded gold.

Assessors recognised the significant impact that the school’s curriculum and commitment to the arts has on children’s confidence, progress and their well-being.

READ: Calderdale pupil to follow in footsteps of Ed Sheeran and Sam SmithCalderdale Council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, Coun Megan Swift, said: “This is a great achievement by everyone involved at Wood Bank Special School.”

Head teacher of Wood Bank Special School, Richard Pawson, said: “At Wood Bank we are committed to promoting the Arts as we recognise its value in terms of supporting pupil progress, particularly in the area of communication and interaction and the opportunities it provides for social inclusion within the local community.

“We are therefore thrilled to have this officially recognised by the Arts Council.”