EAGER students sampled an array of musical, dance and drama activities during a special arts week at a Westcliff school.

The usual timetable at St Bernard's High School and Arts College was put on hold as pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 took time to explore their creative side.

Youngsters and staff at the school had plenty of reasons to celebrate after receiving two accolades recognising the school's strength in the arts within the last month.

The Government's education department designated it a high-performing specialist school, while the Arts Council England awarded the school the Artsmark Gold award for its arts expertise.

Karen Werry, the school's director of arts, said: "It's absolutely fantastic. It recognises that the school celebrates the arts and gives us the opportunity to develop creativity across a range of subjects in school."

During the arts week, students enjoyed trips to the Hayward Gallery in London and Hadleigh Castle, while ten visiting artists came to the school to hold a range of workshops.

Mrs Werry added: "The whole week was designed to give pupils the chance to experience all forms of the arts through working with professional artists and musicians and through off-site visits."

Mike Brewer, the musical director of the National Youth Choirs of Great Britain hosted a singing session where pupils were taught Nigerian songs.

While the Ballet Rambert's animateur Kathy Codogno dropped in to teach pupils a contemporary dance routine based on Einstein's theory about atoms and molecules.

Pupils' visual art skills were stretched through the painstaking construction of an arts-themed mosaic led by artist Paul Figgins.

The finished piece of art incorporating a keyboard, colour wheel, trumpet and musical notes was placed outside the school's performing arts centre.

Students also designed and painted a set of three 8ft Biblical-themed panels and made props to help them perform a Greek heroes and Gods drama in the school's outdoor amphitheatre.

Other highlights of the week included an African drumming workshop, jewellery making session, music composition using computer technology, plus a range of dance classes from modern and salsa to musical theatre.

Mrs Werry said: "The students loved the week and the feedback we've had so far has been very positive. The artists really enjoyed working with the students and the staff had a huge input in making the event happen."