Stars shine at school prize giving

Staff and students at a Hunstanton school came together to celebrate the year’s successes at a special Prize Giving evening.

One-hundred-and-fifty students from Years 7, 8, and 9 at Smithdon High School were joined by Senior Leadership, staff, friends, and family for the annual Key Stage 3 event, which saw the presentation of 250 prizes, including badges, certificates, plaques, and gift vouchers.

“Alongside awards for PE and subjects, there were rewards for meeting our ‘Smithdon Seven’,” said Mike Johnson, Assistant Head Pastoral Care at the school, a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust. 

“The Smithdon Seven are the words we expect all our students to exemplify – ‘Self-Belief’, ‘Ambition’, ‘Responsibility’, ‘Community’, ‘Prepared’, ‘Respect’, and ‘Pride’.

“There was a badge and a certificate for each of the seven, for each of Years 7, 8, and 9.”

Three students were also honoured with ‘Smithdon Stars’, with Daisy in Year 7, Eloise in Year 8, and Jessica in Year 9, each receiving a badge and certificate from Headteacher Amanda Gibbins.

Another high achiever was Brayden May, who was announced as winner of the school’s annual 500-word short story competition, and presented with the prize of a tablet device. It was a particularly impressive achievement for the Year 9 student, as he had recently placed first in Cambridge University’s prestigious Cambridge Writers essay-writing competition.

“At Smithdon, we recognise the importance of rewarding all the great work of our amazing students and their excellent attitude towards their work and each other,” continued Mr Johnson.

Besides Mrs Gibbins, staff involved in the presentation ceremony included Assistant Heads Alysha Moat and Dan Ward, and Deputy Head Sarah Robinson.

“The Key Stage 3 Prize Giving Evening is the culmination of the year’s student rewards programme,” added Mrs Gibbins.

“With a culture focused on positivity, rewards underpin everything we do – from the hourly-issued rewards points, R3 postcards, and daily recognition at Spotlight each morning, to the weekly Chocolate Friday, regular R4 Headteacher’s Recognition Letters, and termly rewards breakfasts and celebrations.”

The school’s Year 11 students will be next to have their achievements honoured, with a November Prize Giving scheduled to celebrate their exam successes.