Talented and dedicated students have been honoured at an inaugural awards ceremony.
An evening of celebration marked the achievements and success of students in Years 10 and 11 at Benjamin Britten Music Academy in Lowestoft.
Held at the Marina Theatre last Tuesday, May 2, the inaugural Benjamin Britten Upper School awards ceremony was hailed a success. More than 500 guests, including parents, carers, teachers, trustees of the Hartismere Family of Schools and the Mayor of Lowestoft, Nick Webb, were among those applauding students as they took to the stage and were recognised for their commitment to learning inside and outside of school.
Awards were presented for all subjects across the curriculum, not only for academic excellence but also for those who had shown considerable dedication and diligence to their work.
The Benjamin Britten choir gave two moving performances, including solo performances from lower and upper school scholars in the song 'When I Grow Up' from the play Matilda.
The school was also honoured to be joined by Duncan Slater, who talked about the motivation behind him becoming the first double amputee to ski to the South Pole and completing the Marathon Des Sables, after losing both legs in an explosion whilst serving with the RAF in Afghanistan.
Headmaster Jim McAtear, chair of trustees Marion Ravenhill and Dr Lucy Walker, director of public programming and learning at the Britten Pears Foundation, who sponsored the awards for Performing Arts, gave speeches. Dr Walker noted the number of students receiving accolades for the Arts, commenting that Britten would have been proud to see so many youngsters from the town of his birth receiving recognition for their talent and passion for the arts, and had he been there he 'would have been applauding the loudest of us all'.
The evening concluded with 18 special awards, sponsored by businesses, which recognised students who had made notable achievements beyond the classroom – from philanthropy and services to the community to sporting commitments and public speaking. Head boy Josh Dixon and head girl Amy Mullen-Brown drew the evening to a close by extending a vote of thanks to all for attending and to the school for its encouragement and support over the past five years.
Pride expressed as students are recognised
In the special awards presentation, the prestigious accolades of Benjamin Britten Year 10 Girl and Boy were bestowed upon Marie' Clare Keeble and Alex Flower, with Emma Collins and Patrick Carinhas announced as the Benjamin Britten Year 11 Girl and Boy.
Headmaster Jim McAtear said: 'As a school community, we felt nothing but pride and admiration for the achievements of our scholars and respect for the support given to them from their parents and grandparents. Well done, Benjamin Britten and well done Lowestoft!'
Kim Armon, head of Year 11, said: 'After eight months of planning, I can't quite believe the ceremony is over and done with and what an evening it was. It really was the perfect setting to showcase what hardworking, enthusiastic and dedicated pupils we have at Benjamin Britten. 'Congratulations to each and every scholar who won an award on the evening. It was so lovely to see them all beaming with pride as they came up to the stage to receive their award. We are all so proud of them.'
Anna Stanley, support staff, added: 'When you take away the structure of the school day, the curriculum and the exams, this is what learning is all about. Children becoming young adults and being recognised for the talent and attributes which form their individual characters. It felt entirely natural being able to celebrate their successes amongst their families and friends on this special evening and we wish them the very best of luck for their exciting future endeavours.'
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