Pupils and staff at Herringham Primary Academy are celebrating, after receiving a prestigious Artsmark Award.

The Artsmark Award is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England, putting creativity and wellbeing at the heart of the curriculum.

In order to achieve their Artsmark Award, Herringham Primary Academy had to develop their arts and culture provision to embed a broad and ambitious curriculum. This was achieved by creating an overall plan that was committed to and delivered across the whole school, prompting the assessor to say: "Your many partnerships are providing your pupils and staff a range of opportunities to engage with arts and culture. Being part of the Royal Opera House Trailblazers project for instance is enabling pupils to learn through dance and drama and being introduced to opera and ballet. It was great to read some of your pupils have contributed to the design of ROH tours.

"Links with Thurrock Music Service provide opportunities for pupils to receive piano and guitar tuition as well as whole class music lessons, taking part in the Thurrock Music Festival and learning guitar, drums, and vocals as part of Rock Steady.

"Your 40-20-40 rule (40% pre-teaching, 20% workshop and 40% follow up) demonstrates your strategic approach when collaborating with creative practitioners, arts and cultural organisations. Collaborating with such partners also provides excellent CPD opportunities for your staff to develop their own knowledge and skills in the delivery of the Arts. Teachers take ownership of planning, securing progression of skills and connectivity to careers.

"The use of a digital platform, Online Excellence Hub [OEH] to share best practice across the trust sounds like an excellent idea.

"Pupils have taken on the role of digital leaders to support staff, pupils, and parents in the use of information technology which is wonderful. Projects such as We Will, All Different and All Equal enable pupils to express their voice as they can steer their work in any direction they choose. Art Council pupil members have had the chance to work with a spoken artist from Breaking Conventions and explored writing for music. Well done on what you have achieved."

Head of School  Mrs Sam Otto, said: "We're extremely proud on achieving our Artsmark Gold Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education to our children."