STAFF and students at Lymm High School are celebrating after receiving a prestigious Platinum Artsmark Award.
The Performing Arts and Visual Arts departments received the Artsmark accreditation earlier this month. Artsmark is the only creative quality standard for schools, accredited by Arts Council England. It transforms teaching through creativity, empowering teachers with the skills they need to embed arts, culture and creativity across the whole curriculum, and is proven to support student outcomes and wellbeing.
As of September 2024, 51% of Artsmark schools have achieved Artsmark Silver, 40% Artsmark Gold and Lymm High is among just 9% of schools that hold Artsmark Platinum status.
To achieve the prestigious Award, Lymm High had to create a 2-year plan to develop its arts and cultural provision across a broad and ambitious curriculum. Some professional support was also provided through an immersive learning programme from Artsmark’s delivery partner, Goldsmiths, University of London.
Artsmark schools gain access to exceptional resources as well as networks of the country’s most treasured cultural organisations, helping them develop and strengthen their arts provision. As such, Artsmark can help unlock the potential of young people, help to develop character and talent, and increase their knowledge and understanding.
“The Platinum Artsmark Award is the result of the hard work and dedication of our wonderful students and teachers who continually showcase how important the arts are in education, and in personal development”, said Head of Performing Arts, Mrs Rachel Richards. “Our Arts ambassadors are advocates for creativity, exploration through artistic expression and leadership, and they are the reason why the arts are thriving at Lymm High School. We are all very proud of their commitment and achievement, and this award is thoroughly deserved by all!”
The Artsmark Assessor commended Lymm High on its student-led approach to a successful Artsmark journey. Student representation, voice and ownership were key elements in the strategy. Arts ambassadors, for example, take an active role in activities undertaken particularly with community and external partners. The Performing Arts department’s collaboration with Chester University on its ‘Dreams of a generation’ performance was highlighted as demonstrating the power of collaborations and the ongoing potential of the student-centred approach.
Performing Arts ambassadors lead workshops, dance and drama clubs, and direct productions. Visual Arts ambassadors help with the larger whole-school projects, such as the annual Fashion show, Remembrance Day installations, and community-led projects, such as the Christmas Tree Festival and Care Home art projects.
Mrs Sarah Taylor, Head of Visual Arts, said: “Visual arts play a vital and transformative role within the school, creating an environment where creativity, confidence, communication and individual expression can flourish. Students build resilience and independence as well as learn to take creative risks, reflect on their progress, and embrace experimentation, all of which positively impact their wider learning. Art also contributes significantly to students’ wellbeing and provides a space for mindfulness and emotional expression.”
Students’ artwork enhances the school environment, celebrates diversity, and sparks meaningful conversations. Annual exhibitions and displays, such as the one in main reception, give students a platform to be seen and valued. “This reinforces a culture where creativity is recognised and respected”, said Mrs Taylor. “Ultimately, visual arts empower our students to think critically, see differently, and engage more deeply with the world – skills that will benefit them far beyond their time at school.”
On receiving the award, Headteacher Mr Gwyn Williams said: “We’re extremely proud of achieving our Artsmark Platinum Award. We are committed to delivering a high-quality arts and cultural education.”
Dr Darren Henley OBE, Chief Executive of Arts Council England, said: “I would like to congratulate Lymm High School on their Artsmark Award. Creative activities and cultural experiences enrich our lives, open our minds to new possibilities and help us make sense of the world around us. As an awarded Artsmark school, you’re demonstrating that by offering a broad, ambitious and creative curriculum, your young people will develop character and resilience, increasing their knowledge, curiosity and skills that will remain with them through to adult life.”
