A Cheshire primary school is celebrating after winning a prestigious creative competition.

Shocklach Oviatt Church of England Primary School took part in the Canon Chancellor Awards, which are designed to celebrate teaching Christianity in schools using the medium of poetry and song-writing.

Finola Jackson is Religious Education lead at Shocklach and says the pupils at the school embraced the competitive side of creativity.

“The competition really stretched the children’s imagination," she said. "They wrote stunning poetry around the concept of creation and composed their own music for their cellos and violins.

"We encourage our children to be courageous advocates for change and to understand how they can challenge injustice in their local and global communities.

"Our submission included a rap to engage listeners and convey the message that it is everyone’s duty to look after our world in the context of climate change, inequality and conflict.

“Their 2019 entry was submitted on a video put together by associate teacher, Catrin Edwards, and our creative arts governor, Ian Bartholomew transformed our school hall into a professional recording studio and edited the recordings.

"Loveday Ingram lent her professional directing expertise. Julie Adams captured photos of the children playing their instruments outside in the snow while Diane Tice- Porteus conducted the orchestra. But the real stars are, of course, the pupils who put their hearts and souls into their award-winning entry.”

The award was presented to Shocklach at a special awards ceremony at Chester Cathedral on March 6 hosted by Canon Jane Brooke and acting education officer, Jen Stretford.

Kath Shephard, executive headteacher, added: “The children demonstrated real talent and put a great deal of hard work and enthusiasm in their entry. This award is also reflection of the passion and dedication of our teaching staff and all our supporters.

"It’s fantastic that our focus on creativity and children being courageous advocates for change is being recognised. We give a high priority to RE and I am proud that we are rapidly building a reputation for the quality of our RE teaching.

"I am also delighted that Mrs Jackson is leading a brand new Diocesan RE Cluster Group for local church schools, to share excellent practise and disseminate key national updates."