Prizewinners, from left, Dan Clarke, 18, Ryan Tanswell, 17, Michael Chard, 16, Daniel Bell, 17, Ben Woodhouse, 20, and Charlea-May Williams, 17. Picture by Jennifer Burton.
UNIVERSITY students from across the country returned to Sandown Bay Academy for their former school’s sixth-form awards evening.
Held at the school last Friday and organised by Year 13 business studies students, the prizegiving celebrated the achievements of students who completed A-levels or BTEC courses last summer.
Guest speaker was former history teacher Paul Thatcher, who donated a trophy for sports excellence after retiring last year. Its first recipient was Jess Andrews — also named one of the top A-level achievers — an outstanding athlete at both county and national level, who performed in last year’s Island Games.
Other awards included the RJR sixth form excellence award to Matt Stewart for his excellent academic results and role on the school council, and the Community Shield to Andrew Davis for helping other students with sporting activities.
The Ambassador Cup went to school captain, actress, athlete and volunteer worker Charlea-May Williams, for being a role model, and the Lowish Cup for outstanding academic achievement was presented to Kaye Palmer.
Four Hilary Terrey Endeavour Trophies, celebrating the inclusive nature of the sixth form and recognising students who have triumphed against the odds, were presented to special educational needs students Nathan Ashton and Jack Brading — performing arts students now bound for university — and much-improved students Tom Carter and and Lewis Roberts O’Brien.
Gary Clarke, head of sixth form, said the staff at Sandown Bay Academy — formerly Sandown High School — were proud of the students’ achievements and the Academies Enterprise Trust, which now runs the school, was keen to preserve the prizegiving ceremony.
"The event was held during the Christmas break so students who have left for university were able to attend. It’s great to have them back because they can offer advice to younger students," said Mr Clarke.
"Last year’s sixth form did well in securing university places, particularly as there was a lot of competition to get places before the new tuition fees came into force. This, coupled with many being the first in the family to go to university, was impressive."
• More pictures in the Friday, January 13, County Press.
Reporter: emilyp@iwcpmail.co.uk