Newham, London 24.02.2023 - Nelson Primary, a highly acclaimed school in East Ham, has been named as having the country’s most Outstanding School Music Department at the prestigious national Music and Drama Education Awards last night.
The awards celebrate the extraordinary contribution made by individuals, companies, charities, schools and other organisations to the lives of others, through the medium of these two key performing arts. Schools were shortlisted from across the UK, with Nelson Primary being the only primary school reaching the final six.
In awarding Nelson the top prize for its outstanding music department. The panel of expert judges were “impressed by the number of musical opportunities available at the school, commenting on the different ways that children can get involved. They highlighted the progression routes available and said that this department is an outstanding example of committed individuals and supportive senior leadership working together to achieve both musical and wider outcomes.”
“Being named the country’s most outstanding school music department is a fantastic achievement that recognises the commitment and passion of Nat Dye, our music leader and all our staff, but also reflects the enthusiasm, hard work and desire to learn, that we see every day in all our pupils,” said Fiona Cullen, Head Teacher. “We are absolutely thrilled, and look forward to building on this success, helping our children achieve their musical ambitions in the months and years ahead.”
Nelson’s annual 5-day music festival offers an inspiring opportunity to bring the wider community together to celebrate music and artistic learning – showcasing all five choirs and 50 piece symphony orchestra. It involves all children across the school, as well as many teachers, visiting teachers and musicians, to make, create, share and celebrate music, and push creative boundaries. Uniquely, it is the only state school in the world to teach Vina (a traditional Indian instrument). Children from Nelson Primary School also performed at this year’s Music for Youth Proms at the Royal Albert Hall for the third year running, celebrating their musical excellence and also having a mind-blowing opportunity to recognise the power of music to see their future possible selves.
The school has worked closely with Newham Council’s ground-breaking Music Enrichment Scheme for Schools and with Newham Music, the award-winning Music Education Hub for the borough.
