Star students have their chance to sparkle

Sandy Upper School’s annual awards night was held on Thursday, September 20 and it was a chance for members of the school community to gather and recognised the high-achievers’ hard work.

Current students were joined by former students who have just moved into higher education.

Their parents and families, as well as the school’s staff, also attended and witnessed the teenagers’ successes.

There was plenty of entertainment at the awards ceremony prior to the prizes being presented.

The evening was introduced by two lead students, Peter Robertson and Matthew Lock.

Daniel Sheath then gave a polished rendition of Steven Sondheim’s Nothing’s Going to Harm You from Sweeney Todd.

A quartet of young musicians featuring Oliver Bond, William Brown, Lewis Vince and Jack Culbert performed their own interpretation of Winter Winds by Mumford and Sons.

It was then the turn of interim headteacher, Shawn Fell, to say a few words. He welcomed the assembled students and their guests before speaking warmly about the welcome he had received when he joined Sandy Upper School. He also spoke about his aspirations for the school’s future.

This was followed by the giving out of prizes to the school’s stars. They recognised achievement, commitment and excellence. The highest achieving student for each subject was recognised.

One award particularly worthy of mention is the Governors’ Prize for the Most Outstanding Student. This year it was given to Willem Zwetsloot.

Willem also won the Pearson Prize for 6th Form Maths.

He is no stranger to success as last year he took home the same maths prize as well as the physics prize and the school prize for outstanding general attainment.

This year he achieved A* A-levels in chemistry, physics, maths and general studies plus an A grade AS-level in further maths. He is now studying natural sciences at the University of Cambridge.

Awards were won by 26 students this year.

Sherwood King Cup for Drama: Joseph Peacock

Graham Collins Shield for Drama: Abigail Monaghan

Bocking Award for Drama: Emily Stock

Colin Bullen Award for Music: Jack Culbert

Mayor’s Cup for Music: Oliver Bondub

Gordon Vowles History Prize: Rebekah Grassby

Pearson Prize for 6th Form Maths: Willem Zwetsloot

Leyon Bowmer Shield for PE: Adam Hunt

Hannah Thomas

John Gurney Shield for Sporting Endeavour: Nathan Hunt

Tasarla Watson

Carl Smith Shield for Sporting Endeavour: Alex Ingham

Naomi Clark

Rotary Prize for Outstanding Service: Stephen Fewkes,

The Emma Harris Award for Perseverance: Katy Anker

Silver Jubilee Award: Christopher Toumbas

The Peter Burgess Award for Endeavour: Sean Wilkinson

Audrey Boothby Memorial Prize: Samuel Weeks

Allison Shield for Service: Charli-Rae Redwood-Purchase

Dewhirst Toiletries Trophy, National Recognition: Emma Crouch

Student Voice Award: George Nodwell

Lead Student Award: Ashley Boness

Lee Crouch

Abigail Monaghan

Przemek Grabowski

Samuel Weeks