Known as the Oscars of the district’s education establishments, the winners of the Herts Advertiser School Awards for 2018 have now been announced.
Competition had been fierce at this year’s awards and the full list of worthy recipients was announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Oaklands College in Smallford last week.
Hosted by Kathy Weston, from Radio Verulam’s The Parents Show, the event saw teachers, pupils and support staff face an anxious wait to learn who had been chosen to receive this year’s awards.
Herts Advertiser group editor Matt Adams, who devised the School Awards eight years ago, told the audience: “The schools represented here tonight are forward-thinking, inclusive, dynamic and open to change. They are justifiably seen as the reason why many people aspire to live in the St Albans district, and their achievements and those of their staff and pupils are without question worthy of recognition.”
The winners were:
Teacher of the Year (Primary) - Hannah Powell, St John Fisher Catholic Primary
Joining as a reception teacher in 2015, Miss Powell is a key member of a PTA vital to the school, sacrificing much of her own time to fundraise, even paying for materials for her class out of her own pocket. Miss Powell also understands the value of parents’ involvement in their children’s education. She is always happy to discuss any issues with them or explore parent suggestions, keeping them informed of goings-on in the classroom, and finding ways to get them involved.
Teacher of the Year (Secondary) - Andrew Cracknell, Sandringham School
Andrew is the director of PE for the school, impressive not only for his commitment to success in a wide range of sports, but equally in his commitment to student participation. Andrew has also worked hard to promote female participation in sport. Successful netball, handball and futsal clubs at Sandringham have helped motivate girls to get involved, and other sports clubs have also been very successful during his tenure, particularly boys and girls football, rugby and handball.
Sporting Achiever of the Year - Raissa Vickery, St Albans High School for Girls
Raissa is an impressive, versatile athlete, specialising in shooting and pentathlon. At just 11 years old, Raissa has been selected onto the Olympic talent Pathway, developing the next generation of athletes for the Olympic Games. The scheme is designed for athletes aged 18-21, and Raissa is the youngest of those selected. She is a decorated and dedicated athlete who works hard to balance her studies and passion for sport.
Pupil of the Year - Penny Kyriacou, Sandringham School
Penny is a skilled, motivational and impressive student. Penny has had tremendous success in a range of academic disciplines: in the arts, Penny has acted in school plays, has learned to play the flute from scratch, and participates in both the Junior and Chamber choirs. In the STEM subjects Penny won an award in Design and Technology, and fights hard for equality, running assemblies and attending school forums to push women to get involved with technology. Finally, Penny has raised over £700 for the Macmillan Cancer through fundraisers, motivating other students to fundraise as she does.
Innovation/Project of the Year - Sam Head and Anna Mapley, Sandringham School
Sam Head, director of learning for science, and Anna Mapley, head of biology, planned and delivered an amazing project in March. The whole-school Science Week project ‘Finish the Forest’ enabled a total of 2,661 trees being planted by students and staff from Sandringham as part of the completion of Heartwood Forest, raising students’ awareness of the importance of preserving our natural environment.
Unsung Hero - Paddy Storrie, St George’s School
Paddy’s hard work and contributions to school life go far beyond the call of duty, but particularly impressive are his efforts with the lacrosse coaching team. Paddy spends countless hours coaching and encouraging his players during training sessions and on the way to matches, as well as hosting quiz nights as fundraisers. Always giving up his time to support parents and students, Paddy’s passion for the school is evident in the work he does every day.
Support Staff Member - Trish Brazier, Sir John Lawes School
Working at Sir John Lawes School for 16 years, Trish has made herself so indispensable to the smooth running of the school that it is now impossible to imagine how it would function without her. She has been involved in HR, admissions, behavioural support, recruitment, mentouring, parental support and many more areas. Trish knows how to fix any problem and is a blessing to have at the school.
Special Recognition (Student) - Sofia Havsteen-Franklin, Sandringham School
Sophia faced incredible adversity during her time in Year 7 and 8 after a long period of ill health. Nevertheless, Sophia’s relentless drive and passion for learning meant that she continued to make academic progress at school, participate in classroom activities by taking on new roles, and help with fundraising, putting others before herself despite the impossible circumstances life has thrown at her. Now finally back at school full-time, Sophia’s positivity even through the toughest of times makes her an inspiration to all.
Special Recognition (Teacher) - Sharon Swinson, The Lea Primary School
Ms Swinson is in her final year of being headteacher after 12 years with The Lea School and has left a lasting impression. She knows each child by name and greets them outside every morning, and holds an open-door policy, showing how much she cares about her students. Through investing in new playground facilities, renovating the library and putting in place a school and eco council among other projects, Mrs Swinson has brought The Lea School from an underperforming school to one ranked ‘Good’ by Ofsted, earning her a place in the hearts of everyone involved with The Lea Primary.
Nursery of the Year - Acorns Nursery
Acorns Nursery is a 50-place day care setting for children between the ages of three months and five years. The nursery is based in a homely converted Manor House within the rural grounds of Oaklands College’s St Albans campus. The Nursery is open to private families as well as vollege students and employees, and is very caring and supportive to the children who visit.
School of the Year (Primary) - Samuel Ryder Academy
Samuel Ryder Academy is an all-through school taking pupils from reception through to sixth form. This allows the children to enjoy a broader range of teaching and experiences to enhance their education. Part of the Scholars’ Education Trust, staff are at the cutting edge of teaching and learning, and students have benefitted from the latest technology in classrooms.
School of the Year (Secondary) - Sandringham School
Sandringham offers opportunities for students of all ages and abilities, extra-curricular clubs, trips and showcases continually show off the rich and varied curriculum of the school. Students develop confidence through hard work and creativity, cultivated by the staff and supportive community.
Well done to all our winners and finalists for their amazing achievements over the past academic year, and thanks again to our sponsors, without whom these awards would not be possible. See you again in 2019!
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