A PRIMARY school from the Isle has been recognised for its commitment to and excellence in arts education.
Arts Council England (ACE) is the national development agency for the arts and it has awarded an Artsmark Gold to Belton's All Saints Primary School.
Schools must dedicate a minimum of 10 per cent of their curricular teaching time to the arts to r
eceive an Artsmark, 12 per cent wins a Silver Artsmark and 15 per cent qualifies for Artsmark Gold.
An Artsmark school must also provide for teachers' professional development and get involved with local artists and arts groups.
Head Sarah Groves said: "I'm delighted that the Arts Council has recognised our dynamic arts education programme. Our students have really enjoyed working with a wide range of external artists, which recently have included African drumming and Indian dance workshops and I'd like to thank all our staff for their hard work in achieving this award."
The school becomes the fourth in the Isle to achieve the Gold standard over the last two years, following on from Althorpe and Keadby Primary School, Epworth's South Axholme Community School and Epworth Primary.
ACE chief executive Alan Davey said: "Arts Council England is committed to great art for everyone and we believe that the earlier children are creatively inspired, the more likely they are to have a lifelong engagement with art.
"Artsmark sets the standard for an outstanding arts offer in schools and it's great to see so many new schools attaining the Artsmark award this year. The award recognises Belton All Saints passion for the arts and belief in the power of creativity."
Any school can apply for Artsmark status by logging on to www.artsmark.org.uk.
