Pupils celebrated at Hunstanton school

Awards evening for 11 to 14 year olds at Smithdon High.

Staff and students have been celebrating the year’s successes at a special Prize Giving evening at the school.

One-hundred-and-fifty students from Years 7, 8 and 9 were joined by friends and family for the annual Key Stage 3 event.  250 prizes, including badges, certificates, plaques and gift vouchers were awarded.

Assistant Head Mike Johnson says it's about recognising, "The great work of our amazing students and their excellent attitude towards their work and each other."

“Alongside awards for PE and subjects, there were rewards for meeting our ‘Smithdon Seven’,” continues Mr Johnson. “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’, 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 Year 9 pupil Brayden May, the winner of the school’s annual 500-word short story competition, who was presented with the prize of a tablet device. 

“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 to celebrate their exam successes.

Images all Ian Burt