There were smiles all round at Sharnbrook Academy as staff and students celebrated being awarded a prestigious Gold Artsmark Award. Artsmark is Arts Council England’s award for schools that champion cultural education, with the Gold award being the second highest possible accolade.
Clare Raku, Principal of Sharnbrook Academy, said: “Each and every one of us at Sharnbrook Academy are thrilled to have been awarded the Gold Artsmark Award. For us, the arts are not just subjects, they are a way of enhancing creative development and potential.
“But the hard work doesn’t stop now. We’re committed to continuing the delivery of high-quality arts and cultural education for all of our young people – and we look forward to continued progress with our Artsmark journey in the future.”
One way the school achieved this is by hosting a festival called MindFest to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind. The festival brought together over 500 guests, six schools, and a number of individuals and community groups for a day of song writing, dancing, acting, singing, rapping, and poetry reading.
In addition, Sharnbrook Academy applied for funding from the Bedford Creative Arts Education Innovation Strategic Group and entered into the Bedford Arts and Cultural Education (BACE).
Bedford Arts and Cultural Education (BACE) is a Local Cultural Education Partnership that includes the University of Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough Council, local schools and colleges, and local creative and cultural providers.
The group is committed to providing creative learning experiences for children and young people in Bedford Borough. As part of this initiative, students at Sharnbrook Academy presented research and case studies to delegates from Trinity College, Royal Opera House, and Bedford Borough, as well as headteachers from the area.
Melissa, a Year 11 student at Sharnbrook Academy, said: “Doing dance has allowed me to become more confident and resilient, and it’s great to be able to express myself.”