A Sunderland primary school is singing from the rafters after winning the Sunderland Music Mark award for the second time.
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, which is part of Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, was awarded the honour from Sunderland Music Hub in recognition of its “commitment to providing a high-quality music education for all children and young people”.
The Meadowside school’s music curriculum is provided by Elizabeth Paget, music lead at St Mary’s, singing teacher Laura Parkin, who is a semi-professional singer, and violin teacher Emma Mapplebeck, as well as music lessons delivered by Music Mates.
“We are really chuffed that we have won this award,” said Mrs Paget, who delivered music lessons throughout the pandemic via video.
“It’s nice to have that recognition for the school and to know that they value everything we do.
“The Music Hub provides a space and events for us to take the children to and CPD for teachers and networking opportunities.
“Sunderland is a great place for music. Sunderland Music Hub always promotes music and has always been supportive of us. In Sunderland, there is the new music venue, The Fire Station; Seventeen Nineteen, the former Holy Trinity Church; and we’re getting a new arena so music is big in Sunderland.”
Martin Clephane, headteacher of St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, said: “Music is a big part of the curriculum in our school and links to other subject areas. It is linked to BREW, our curriculum intent for the school, which stands for Beliefs, Rights, Environment and Wellbeing.
“We have a great music team. Mrs Paget and Miss Parkin frequently work with Sunderland Music Hub and around Sunderland to promote music to our pupils.
“The award came out of the blue and we are delighted to be awarded the Music Mark.”