Staff and students recognised for stellar arts programme in wake of pandemic
Students and staff at Kidderminster’s Baxter College have been awarded a silver Artsmark in recognition of their hard work in the wake of the Covid pandemic.
Assessors praised the “strong emphasis” on creativity, and highlighted the school’s Day to Create project, Summer Showcase and Radio Pantomime.
They said: “It was interesting to hear how you picked up on pupils' reticence to perform post-Covid and addressed this through your Summer Showcase, giving young people the chance to perform in local care homes and other community venues.
“In fact, you devised a series of substitute projects to get around lockdown restrictions, including adapting your usual Christmas pantomime to a radio drama format which allowed creative work to continue.”
Sophie Roberts, assistant faculty leader for creative arts, said: “We weren’t going to let a global pandemic stop us and found other ways to keep our students’ creativity alive.
“Staff quickly adapted to enhancing performance opportunities once we were able, allowing students to build their self-confidence and creativity which are vital skills for the future.”
This week, talented students are treading the boards in their production of We Will Rock you, with two public performances in the school theatre.
Matthew Carpenter, principal, said: “We at Baxter College and the wider community are lucky to have practitioners who believe in creativity and collaboration, and who, despite the pandemic’s efforts to burn us out, came together to inspire young people and ignite their imaginations.”
