Smithdon High School’s Year 11 Prize Presentation and GCSE Certificate Evening saw the school’s Class of 2023 celebrated in the company of their families and friends, Smithdon staff and governors, representatives from Hunstanton Town Council, and members of Hunstanton and District Rotary Club.

“This was a very special occasion, as it allowed the school to celebrate its best ever GCSE results with the students who achieved them,” said Steve Chapman, Assistant Headteacher at Smithdon, which is part 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 the students attending received their GCSE exam board certificates, there were also 20 subject awards, which were based on nominations from subject staff.

The awards were introduced by Mr Chapman and presented by Headteacher Amanda Gibbins, with each winner receiving a glass trophy featuring a plaque detailing the achievement.

Among the high fliers recognised at the event were former Head Student Olivia Raines, who received the award for the best GCSE results, as well as the Biology subject award, and Amy Howard, who was awarded the Hunstanton Round Table Award for Physical Education and an attainment award for excellent GCSE results.

The Clare Shield for English Language went to Maisie Haskins, while The Connie Martin Memorial Prize for English Literature was presented to Caitlin Minns, and Roxy Baines received the Halls Exhibition Endowed Prize for Mathematics.

The Business Award, which was a new introduction for 2023, was won by Elizabeth Drew, and there were also a number of special and sponsored awards presented during the ceremony, which took place in the school hall.

The Hunstanton Lions Prize for Service to the School and its Community went to Chloe Moulton, while The George Raines Memorial Award for Sport was awarded to former Head Student Tommy Lee for his outstanding contribution to the PE Department.

Other winners included Jake Rodrigues, who was honoured with the Rotary Young Citizen Award for his commitment to the Performing Arts, with the president of Hunstanton and District Rotary Club, Roger Raven, making the presentation.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Award for School Values (work Hard, Be Kind and Smile) went to Fallon Pearson, who also received the subject award for Music.

A new accolade sponsored by Hunstanton Town Council was introduced by the Mayor of Hunstanton, Councillor Michael Ruston, who presented The Mayor’s Award for the Smithdon Seven – All Round Excellence to Phoebe Stanton for her demonstration of the ‘Smithdon Seven’ – ‘Belief’, ‘Ambition’, ‘Community’, ‘Prepared’, ‘Respect’, and ‘Pride’. She also received the Art subject award.

The prize giving was followed by refreshments, where students and guests could mingle.

Chair of Governors John Crofts, who brought the evening to a close, said: “These evenings are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the students’ successes, as well as the hard work of the staff who supported them on their journey.”

Mrs Gibbins added: “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.”