A SECONDARY school in Rickmansworth has received one of the highest national accolades for its arts education programme.

Staff and students of Rickmansworth School, in Scots Hill, Rickmansworth, celebrated last week when it wa announced it was to receive an Artsmark Gold award.

The award, the highest to be presented by the The Arts Council, is designed to acknowledge schools that demonstrate a commitment to providing opportunities across a varied spectrum of the arts, ranging from drama to music, design to literature, and dance to sculpture.

The scheme, which this year involved 566 schools, encourages schools to work in partnership with artists and arts organisations.

Headteacher Dr Stephen Burton said: "I am delighted the Arts Council has recognised our progressive, well-balanced arts education programme, which enables pupils to work with local artists.

Chief executive of the Arts Council Mr Peter Hewitt said: "We are delighted with the overwhelming response Artsmark has once again generated from schools across the country."

The school runs a range of art clubs and classes in and out of school hours, as part of its commitment to obtaining DfES Arts College status.

Classes and sessions include a Year 9 street jazz workshop, and Year 10 theatre club in which pupils have teamed up with outside organisations Wisemoves Dance Company and the Trestle Theatre Company.

Executive member for Children, Schools and Families, Mr Robert Gordon said: "The arts offer pupils of all abilities the opportunity to shine."

News of the prestigious award comes weeks after the school acquired Sportsmark status.

Awarded by the national sports council Sport England the Sportsmark award recognises and applauds the ongoing investment that schools and staff make to the promotion and development of physical education.

Chairman of Sport England and former West Ham player Trevor Brooking said of the award: "The school is to be applauded for its consistent efforts in making sure youngsters are keeping fit and healthy.

"They recognise the value of physical activity, not just in terms of health and fitness education but also how it can help pupils to achieve in other subjects.

"I believe sport can help combat problems such as social exclusion and youth offending."

June 17, 2002 12:30