Arts Council England has awarded an Artsmark to Oakridge Community Primary School in recognition of its commitment to and excellence in arts education.

Christina Zanelli, headteacher at Oakridge School said: “I’m delighted the Arts Council has recognised Oakridge’s dynamic arts education programme.

“Our children really enjoy our arts curriculum, which is embedded in the culture of the school and links to all other curriculum areas.

“We have many popular arts clubs in school such as art club, samba band and Little Hoppers who dance and sing.

“Because our whole school topic this term is local history, we are currently working with local scarecrow makers to create an entry for the Hinderwell scarecrow competition – the children are really enjoying this – please come and see the finished masterpiece at Hinderwell Gala Week.

“I’d like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award – particularly our arts co-ordinator Laura Boagey.”

A school must dedicate a minimum of 10% of its curricular teaching time to the arts to receive an Artsmark.

An Artsmark school also provides teachers’ professional development and involvement with local artists and arts groups.

Awards are offered annually and are valid for three years and any school can apply. Since Artsmark began nine years ago, almost 10,000 awards under the scheme have been made, with 1,649 schools receiving the award this year.