Taunton School announced as finalist in 2022 Muddy Stilettos awards

Taunton School's Art and Drama programme has been named as one of the UK’s best after being announced as a finalist in a national schools award.

The leading south west independent school has been recognised in the ‘Originality in Teaching Music and the Arts’ category for its innovative ‘Virtual Murder Mystery’ drama project over lockdown. Taunton School was also named as ‘highly commended’ in the awards’ outstanding pastoral care category.

The online drama project, which saw students re-enact a fictional murder and uncover the culprit live on Microsoft Teams, has helped to bring teaching of the subject into the 21st century and offered a whole new learning experience for drama students at Taunton School.

Upper Sixth drama student Woody Knight, who was involved in the project, says, “I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of our virtual murder mystery project and it’s awesome to think that a project that we put together under adverse circumstances is regarded so highly.”

Head of Drama Melanie Stamp, says, “We are absolutely delighted to have been recognised for our innovative online murder mystery project in this exciting award category, especially amongst so many other fantastic schools. We are passionate about delivering an exciting, innovative learning experience here at Taunton School and this accolade is a testament to all of the students and teachers involved.”

Taunton School was recently announced as a finalist in a number of national and international awards, including ‘British International School of the Year’ at the Independent School of the Year awards and Study Travel’s Best European School.

The Muddy Stilettos brand is renowned as the ‘urban guide to the countryside’, which recognises the best schools in the UK in its annual awards.

The winners will be announced on 14 June 2022.