The event was hosted by London South East Academies Trust (previously Bromley Educational Trust), which manages two special and alternative provision schools in the Borough. They are Bromley Trust Academy and Bromley Beacon Academy.
Each school has two campuses, providing support and teaching for children between the ages of 5 and 18 years old, who require an alternative to mainstream education. Awards were given to students to recognise a number of achievements including; behaviour, progress, attendance, resilience, sports and citizenship.
Special guest Andrez Harriott attended the event, giving an inspirational speech and presenting the awards. Best known for being a member of British R&B band Damage, Andrez is also CEO of Liminality Group, an organisation specialising in working with young people at risk of offending.
Congratulating the award winners, Andrez said: “A huge well done to all of you collecting awards tonight. We are extremely proud of you. Your families, carers and teachers are here to support you and we know that you will be of great value to society in the coming years.
“You have to find out what you are good at and then become the very best you can be. To be invited here tonight to collect your awards means you are doing brilliantly well to get to this stage; the future is bright.”
CEO of London South East Academies Trust and London South East College, Sam Parrett OBE, added: “London South East Academies Trust is strengthening alternative and special provision throughout the region. We are offering high quality education for children who need an alternative to mainstream education, supporting them academically and emotionally; helping them to lead fulfilling lives.
“We are incredibly proud of our award winning students tonight. Their commitment and hard work this year has really paid off, and these young people are role models to their peers.
“I am hugely grateful to Executive Head teacher Neil Miller and his team. They work tirelessly to support our students and ensure their success. I have no doubt that all of our academies and students will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Students arrived to collect their awards supported by families, guardians and teachers.
Paige, aged 12 from Bromley, was presented with an award for being Head Girl at Bromley Beacon Academy in Orpington. She was praised by Head Teacher Jayne Naylor as always being ready to help and support the school and its students. Paige said: “This school has really supported me and the teachers are brilliant. I love art and cookery but want to be a midwife in the future.”
Charlie, aged 15 from Hayes, is a student at Bromley Beacon Academy’s Bromley Campus. He was presented with the Citizen and Community prize. Charlie said: “I am surprised to receive this award, but I do my best to help people and it’s nice to be rewarded. The teachers are really supporting me at school and I enjoy PE and construction most. I am aiming to get a job in construction.”
Alfie, aged 11 from Orpington, was awarded with a prize for being Head Boy at Bromley Trust Academy’s Midfield Campus. Alfie said: “This is such a caring school and I made some brilliant friends. The teachers gave me a passion for learning and I loved my classes. I want to be a pilot in the future so will have to keep working hard!”
Closing the event, Executive Head Teacher Neil Miller thanked staff, students and their families for all their support. Mr Miller said: “I am incredibly proud of all our students and their many achievements. Recognising and celebrating this success is so important and I hope everyone feels inspired to continue with the hard work.”
Related link: Bromley Trust Academy
Related link: Bromley Beacon Academy
SN