Islington's young achievers celebrate in style
Young achievers from Islington’s schools were treated to an evening of music,
magic and Science last week (Thursday 6 October 2005) at Arsenal Stadium in
recognition of their achievements over the past school year. Big Brother 6
star, Science, and Islington’s Mayor, Councillor Jonathan Dearth, turned out
to pay tribute to exceptional students from Islington’s primary, secondary and
special schools. A special set of awards were also given to the highest
achieving black students in the borough by Islington’s
Black Educators’ Network (BEN)*.
90 pupils from 36 Islington schools took part in this year’s Achievers’ Day
ceremony which recognises and celebrates young people from Islington schools
who have been nominated by their headteachers as ‘achievers of the year’ for:
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achieving an outstanding level of success in public examinations and tests; or
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making outstanding progress over the last twelve months; or
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achieving in the face of adversity; or
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making a significant contribution to school life and the school community.
Parents, teachers, governors and invited guests turned out to watch the
achievers receive their awards, which included Borders** vouchers, bookmarks
and certificates. Children’s entertainer Andy Clockwise treated the winners
and their families to a ‘magical’ performance, and Science gave an uplifting
speech to the winners about ‘being cool and staying in school’.
17-year-old Arnold Mboyo, an ex-St
Aloysius’ student, won first prize in the BEN awards for his 10 A*-C
grades at GCSE and his outstanding contribution to school life; Arnold was a
school prefect, a buddy in the school’s mentoring scheme and continues to work
with St Aloysius’ pupils even though he has now left the school.
Isabel Kilborn from Thornhill
Primary School won her award for ‘being a wonderful example to others of
solving problems calmly as a peer mentor’. Nicholas Adams, 11, was awarded a
prize for ‘being a well-behaved and popular, model pupil throughout his 7
years at Drayton Park Primary
School. We will all miss him.’
Bill Clark, Director of Schools' Services, CEA@Islington, said: ‘CEA@Islington
is always delighted to host this annual event for the young people nominated
by their schools for their hard work, endeavour and courage.
‘Achievers’ Day is a great opportunity to encourage and celebrate achievement
in Islington’s schools. All the young people recognised at Thursday’s ceremony
certainly have a lot to be proud of. The day is about celebrating academic
success, and much more. It is about praising strength of character,
participation and determination to succeed.
‘It is clear from Thursday’s event that Islington schools, supported by
parents and families, do a fantastic job encouraging students to set high
goals for themselves, make the most of their abilities, and to achieve in all
areas of their life.’
Councillor James Kempton, Executive Member for Children said: ‘Achievers’ Day
recognises some of the brightest and the best young people in Islington’s
schools. Arnold Mboyo is just one example of a pupil who has achieved top
marks for his GCSEs whilst at the same time made a huge contribution to his
school community. It is right that such achievements be properly celebrated
and I would like to congratulate all the children on this year’s Achievers’
Day role of honour.’
Notes to editors
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* The Black Educators’ Network (BEN)
was established in 2003 and comprises education professionals from across the
borough, including headteachers, teachers, educational managers, consultants,
teaching assistants, learning mentors, LEA staff and administrators. The
Network started as a support group, but is now recognised as a key part of the
strategy in raising the recruitment and retention levels of Black staff within
Islington schools.
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**Borders bookstore, Angel, Islington, sponsored the achievement awards.
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Pictured: Big Brother’s Science with the BEN award winners. From left to
right: Lauren Price, Laycock Primary School; Arnold Mboyo, St Aloysius
College; Science; Kevin Otoo, Samuel Rhodes Special School; Alexander Opara,
St Aloysius’; Staciah Greer, Montem Primary School.
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: