Alnwick high school hits the right note with its music

The Duchess’s Community High School in Alnwick has been awarded the prestigious Music Mark status.
Music Mark.Music Mark.
Music Mark.

It follows nomination and support from Music Partnership North – Northumberland and is further recognition for the outstanding work that goes into that area of school life.

The letter of congratulations received by headteacher Maurice Hall praised staff for ‘the hard work they put in to ensuring that pupils can access and engage with a high quality music education’.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The announcement came in the same week that students auditioned for roles in the forthcoming production of Popstars: The 90s Musical, due to be performed at the newly-refurbished Alnwick Playhouse from February 12 to 15 next year.An impressive 210 students – that’s 15% of the school population – expressed an interest in acting, band, set design, sound, lighting and costume.

Assistant headteacher Martin Allenby acknowledged: “The level of interest speaks for itself, and the fact that we have so many students who are willing to engage with what we offer as a school reminds us of the fundamental impact an excellent Creative Arts programme can bring.”

Of these students, a record-breaking 103 students auditioned for a part on stage.

Jonathan Ridley, head of music, admitted there were some tough choices to be made.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It was fantastic to have so many students audition and some were very notable,” he said. “Everyone who tried out should be proud of going through the process.”

The school already has Artsmark Gold Status.