A SCHOOL which devised a new curriculum for its art department has received an Artsmark award from the Arts Council of England.

Chingford CofE Infant School in Kings Road, Chingford, completed an audit on the arts provision it provides and introduced new activities such as visiting performance artists and theatre trips which helped it to achieve the award.

Arts coordinator and senior teacher Shaun Harris said pupils have benefited from new lunchtime clubs for Year 2, links with the community and other schools and from the workshops by visiting artists.

He said: “The children have really enjoyed the sessions. We monitor what the children have done through the year and what the children talk about are all these experiences.

"Going out on trips and having visitors brings everything to life and it inspires the teachers too.

“I feel really proud of it and it is nice to have the recognition through the award.”

Artsmark is intended to provide a benchmark for arts provision that encourages schools to consider the opportunities they offer in art, dance, drama and music.

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