North East school’s project shortlisted for Award
Thorntree Academy in Middlesbrough have contributed to a research project which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged students.
The school has partnered with the South Tees Arts Programme (STAR) to start an initiative which aims to increase access to the arts for children who are living in deprived areas of South Tees with a view of improving their physical and mental wellbeing. As a result the project has been shortlisted in the ‘Most Impactful Project Addressing Health Inequalities’ category at the 2022 HSJ Partnership Awards.
Julie Deville, CEO of Extol Academy Trust said:
“Extol Trust is delighted that pupils from our school, Thorntree Academy, are being able to participate in the STAR project.
As a Trust we are passionate about giving all pupils the opportunity to enjoy the Arts. We know the benefits this can bring to a child’s ability to interact with the world around them
and to provide them with a new set of skills for self-expression, self-awareness and communication.
However, the project is unique as it goes beyond the child, applying a social ecological model to maximise outcomes for children, schools and families.
This impact on our wider community is something that underpins the social and civic duty that Extol Trust holds dear.”
The dance sessions have been held weekly at the school and have helped the pupils recognise their emotions and manage their feelings through movement. The families of the pupils who have been involved are looking forward to attending the celebration of the children’s work at a performance in June.
Director of Schools North East, Chris Zarraga commented:
“Initiatives such as the STAR and Thorntree Academy project are brilliant as they benefit young people not just physically but mentally as well. They showcase the fabulous job schools across our region do in supporting their young people and communities. It is fantastic to see that this has been given the national recognition it deserves for its outstanding contribution to healthcare in what has been an exceptional and challenging period across the sector.”
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