AWARDS have been given to two schools in Wanstead and Woodford, for achieving a level of excellence in arts.

Both Wanstead High School and Woodbridge High School and Language School, Woodford Green have received the Artsmark Silver award from the Arts Council of England.

The prestigous accolades have been given after the schools showed high standards in the field of art.

Subjects that were judged include art, photography, drama, music, graphics, Media studies and dance.

Pupils and staff were assessed on how they approached the different areas and how they went about completing the curriculum for each subject.

The awards also commended schools on the strong committments they have made towards the arts and how they have nationally recognised a range of arts provision for their pupils.

It is hoped the awards will also achieve the aim of encouraging schools to raise the standard of arts in the classroom and to raise the profile of education connected with the arts.

The arts council also looked at how IT(information technology) is used in different departments such as the use of digital cameras, scanners, videos and video editing.

It notes the number of out-of school activities for art, the number of pupils taking part and looks at school plays, music concerts, arts evenings and the different groups throughout the school.

The quality of training for staff who are teaching the different art subjects is also taken into account.

Both schools have scored high marks and were awarded certificates.

Deputy headteacher Roy Williams said: We're delighted to receive this award. It recognises the excellent opportunities available to our pupils and the fact that so many of them gain great success and pleasure from them.

Our next target is to get the arts mark gold award.

Pupils from both schools have enjoyed a range of art-related activities, including a JazzFM workshop, concerts and high grades in the arts at GCSE and A level.

Pic1: Award-winning, Wanstead High School staff and pupils (front) Liz Offredi, Liz Kenny with head of music Jane Lee and deputy head Roy Williams (01/2216/8)

Pic2: Pupils from Woodbridge High School and Language College receive their certificate from BBC television presenter Heather Suttie (c)