School celebrates students’ success

The graduating Class of 2024 returned to their Hunstanton school to celebrate their achievements with staff, family and friends.

Smithdon High School’s Year 11 Prize Presentation and GCSE Certificate Evening was also attended by school governors, and representatives from Hunstanton Town Council, the Hunstanton Society, and the Hunstanton Lions, along with members of Hunstanton and District Rotary Club.

“This was a very special occasion as it allowed the school to celebrate its 2024 GCSE results with the returning students who achieved them,” said Assistant Headteacher Steve Chapman, who introduced the awards at Smithdon, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. 

“We are so proud of all our students and their personal successes. It is so important for us to celebrate with them and to acknowledge the accomplishments of their hard work.”

While all students were presented with their GCSE exam board certificates, there were also 20 subject awards, where each winner received a glass trophy from Headteacher Amanda Gibbins, who said: “It is great to have the students return to collect their awards, and for us to find out what they have moved on to do at sixth form, college, or in apprenticeships.”

Among the high achievers was Mia Jackson, who not only received the top GCSE results, but also the reward for best overall progress, and the Connie Martin Memorial Prize for English Literature.

She was joined by Smithdon’s former head students, with Isaac Minns receiving the award for second best progress scores and Izzy Mears winning the Clare Shield for English Language.

Other prize-winners included Mia Rodrigues, who won the award for the second-best GCSE results; Ffion Greeves, who received the Halls Exhibition Foundation Endowed Prize for Mathematics; Evie Richardson who was given the Clare Shield for Art; and Thomas Beattie, who was presented with the Hunstanton Round Table Award for Physical Education.

A series of special and sponsored awards were also made over the course of the evening, with the Hunstanton Lions Prize for Service to the School and its Community going to Kira Clark, while the Rotary Award for School Values (Work Hard, Be Kind and Smile) was won by Archie King, and Hannah Burton was presented with the Rotary Young Citizen Award by Jean-Marie Vernon, the President of Hunstanton and District Rotary Club.

The Mayor of Hunstanton, Councillor Michael Rushton, introduced an award sponsored by the Town Council – The Mayor’s Award for the Smithdon Seven: All Round Excellence. This was won by Jessica Berry for demonstrating all aspects of the Smithdon Seven – Ambition, Responsibility, Community, Prepared, Respect, and Pride. She also received the Hospitality and Catering subject award.

The celebration ended with refreshments, allowing the students and guests to mingle.

“It was a pleasure to work with all these students over the last few years,” said Assistant Head Teacher Dan Ward, who closed the event. 

“It is great to be here tonight to celebrate all of your successes.”