THE ARTISTIC talents of children at a Dorchester school have been recognised.

Sunninghill Prep School has been awarded an Artsmark Gold for excellence in art, dance, drama and music.

Head of creative arts at the school Lecca Moss said that every pupil was involved with the creative arts.

She said: “It’s about igniting a passion, especially in the arts, and if I can ignite a child’s passion for something they’re going to carry through to adult life, I’ve done my job.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been awarded Artsmark Gold.

“However it’s not just about what we’ve done here so far, it’s a tool to drive things forward and give us the kudos to develop further.”

Sunninghill plans to work with other schools in the area on the dance show ‘Move It!’ Deputy headteacher John Thorpe said: “At Sunninghill we make time for activities that children love doing, such as building a wagon for a Wild West Gospel musical show, visiting and drawing Upwey Wishing Well in Weymouth or having lessons with a Bournemouth Symphony Orch-estra violinist.”

The talent at the school was highlighted last term when 13-year-old Viola Turberville-Smith choreographed her own Bolly-wood dance routine.

This term Viola is devising a solo routine for a Remembrance Day service at St George’s Church in Fordington and performing in Sunninghill’s production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream.

Viola said: “There are so many aspects to dance.

“I want to be as good as I can be at it and I think it’s great to have so many opportunities.”

The assessor for the Artsmark scheme said: “Pupils spoke with pride and appreciation of the many opportunities provided for them and the work they produced, which is exhibited and shared throughout the school.”

The school’s arts education was also praised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Free music and drama

CHILDREN can enjoy free music and drama sessions at Sunninghill when the school holds an open morning on Saturday, October 11 and an open morning the previous day will let families to see Sunninghill on a school day.