SCHOOLS in Radstock and the surrounding area are celebrating national recognition for their music provision, after two local primaries were awarded the West of England Music and Arts (WEMA) Music Mark.

Both schools have been assigned the Music Mark of Recognition for Ambition & Quality. WEMA is part of the national music organisation, Music Mark, whose vision is “for accessible and excellent musical learning and engagement, inspiring and enriching the lives of all children and young people.”

Roundhill Primary School was awarded the music mark due to its attendance at music events last year such as Voices for Life at Bath Abbey. St Mary’s was acknowledged for the “the value that you place on music in your school.”

Amy Randall, Key Stage Two, Maths and Music lead at Roundhill said:“We are excited to be able to offer musical opportunities within school and also through enrichment visits. Key Stage Two (Years 3 to 6) are all learning an instrument and some Year 6 students are also having small group lessons on a variety of instruments. We're very excited to see where this takes us!”

Layla, a Year 4 pupil from St Mary’s, said:"I think music at our school is good… it helps us to think about emotions and I love that we get to do lots of music! I love performing in Bath Abbey and learning the ukulele alongside my whole class is so much fun!"

Both schools are members of The Partnership Trust, a multi-academy trust of 17 schools in Bath & North East Somerset, and Somerset.

Pupils from both schools will be performing at Christmas Carol Concerts this term, while students from St Marys will be attending Young Voices in Birmingham to perform in the world’s largest school choir concerts next spring.