Virtual School scoops silver Artsmark Award

Wolverhampton Virtual School, which supports the education of children and young people in the care of the City of Wolverhampton Council, has been awarded the Silver Artsmark Award by Arts Council England.

It was recognised for its commitment to creativity after creating a range of arts opportunities for children and young people in care, including teaming up with Wolverhampton Music Service to provide musical activities.

Head of the Virtual School Darren Martindale said: "During the 18-month pilot, we worked with the Music Service to offer more of our students the opportunity to take part in one-to-one music lessons as well as additional music projects, including the creation of our Virtual School Band which performed at the I-Awards to 500 people.

"Students have also had opportunity to access a range of arts experiences such as drumming, dance and drama workshops, TV filming, band practice, theatre trips and craft activities. 

"As we continue to develop the arts offer across our Virtual School we will be looking to collaborate with more professional creative practitioners and arts and cultural providers to encourage more students to engage with the arts."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "The arts encourage self-expression and creativity, enriching the experience of pupils at school and helping them prepare for adult life.

“Artsmark empowers teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, and schools are recognised for their exceptional commitment to creativity with this award. It is the only award for arts and culture provision in England and this is fabulous recognition for our Virtual School."

Artsmark is open to primary, secondary and special schools, virtual schools, hospital schools, pupil referral units, youth offending teams and sixth form colleges in England.