Students at Workington’s Carnegie Theatre and Arts Centre have been celebrating after achieving their arts awards – despite the coronavirus pandemic forcing them to do part of it electronically.

The Carnegie Music Centre had a number of successful students pass their bronze arts award this year.

Much of the work was completed prior to the lockdown in March, but they all had a certain amount to finish at home for their portfolios.

Marlene Johnston, from the Carnegie, was delighted with the students and said: “They all managed to finish their portfolios of work at home with advice and the occasional Zoom call from their tutor Steve Hunter-Brown.”

In order to complete the music arts award at bronze level students have to produce a portfolio showing how many hours they spend each week on musical activities.

They also have to: research a musician, singer or band that has influenced them; write a review for a performance they have attended; and share their skills with a group of musicians by taking the lead and running rehearsals over a three-week period.

Marlene added: “The comments from the moderator for the award showed that all the students worked at a high standard and should be congratulated for their commitment.”

The arts award also has silver and gold levels, with a gold level award having UCAS points attached to it for students wanting to continue their studies at university.

The Carnegie is now also able to register students for these silver and gold levels.

Marlene said: “We are now also registered to do the silver and gold awards as well as the music bronze arts award in a day from Oxford University. We are the only place in west Cumbria registered to do these awards.”

Students that had taken the bronze level gave feedback. Comments included: “I really enjoyed the research, it was a good exercise and one that I will carry on doing,” “I thought section D would be boring but it showed me that I can be independent, it gave me confidence,” “I loved learning about bands and other diverse music methods – that was really cool,” and “It was good, I want to go on and do more.”