Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School celebrates Gold  Artsmark Award Status.

Students and staff at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School are celebrating after the school was awarded the Gold Artsmark status.

Artsmark is the creative quality standard for schools; accredited by Arts Council England and awarded to schools which actively champion high quality art and cultural education within their curriculum. Culture and creativity increases students’ confidence, critical thinking, communication and literacy skills, improving attainment and bringing core subjects to life.

In order to achieve Artsmark Gold status, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School has demonstrated its commitment to incorporating art and culture into every student’s life and learning, as well as showing ambitious plans for the future. The school will now continue this journey with the support of Curious Minds – the Arts Council England appointed regional agency for creative and cultural education for the North West. As part of its Statement of Commitment, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School highlighted the strengths of its Music, Art, Drama and Dance provision. The school is known nationally for the work it does with World Music and the successes of it Samba Band (Samboteler), African Drummers (Djoliba) and Steel Pan groups.

Commenting on receiving Artsmark status, Headteacher Mrs Scott-Herron said: “We are so proud to have achieved this status. The Arts are so important. They transform young people’s lives and must never be forgotten both within and outside the curriculum. I am delighted that all our students benefit from all the wonderful provision we have in place and their successes and talents must be celebrated. The Arts is accessible to all and it is wonderful to see our young people have that sense of achievement and pride in what they are doing.”

Congratulating the school on becoming an Artsmark school, Darren Henley, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: “I would like to congratulate Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School on achieving Artsmark and welcome them into our growing family of Artsmark schools. To become and Artsmark school, Sir Thomas Boteler Church of England High School had to demonstrate its dedication to the arts. It has put together an ambitious plan which will ensure that each of its students is given the opportunity to explore and build a love of the arts that will remain with them as they go through adult life.”