Ipswich Star | Friday, July 13, 2018 1 News Raising the Bar 2018 2 Friday, July 13, 2018 | Star NewsRaising the Bar Awards 2018 Congratulations everyone

Celebrations at this year’s Raising the Bar Awards ceremony Pictures: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD

The winners of the Raising the and innovation projects, has brought about significant Bar Awards 2018 were governors and volunteers. progress in the last few years.” announced on Tuesday evening The awards ceremony, held at Hundreds of nominations were at a glittering awards ceremony, Trinity Park in Ipswich, was sent in by people across the celebrating educational hosted by Terry Baxter and county. These were narrowed achievement in . co-presented by two young people down to the shortlisted finalists from the county who auditioned and the winners were selected by Fourteen awards were presented for the role - Freya May Ewart- a panel of expert judges. across 11 categories, for children Howlett, 14, from Holbrook Councillor Gordon Jones, and young people, teachers and Academy and Etholle Davies, 16. cabinet member for children’s staff working in education, from East Bergholt High. services, education and skills, schools and education settings, The event also featured Suffolk’s said: “The Raising the Bar Awards business partners, collaboration County Music Service with are a celebration of excellence in performances from their South Suffolk education and the perfect Suffolk Guitar Ensemble, South chance to recognise the Suffolk Youth Orchestra and outstanding work happening in Youth Wind Band, and an schools and education settings inspirational interview with 2017 across the county. Raising the Bar finalist Tommy “I’d like to congratulate all of Curry. the winners and finalists and to Brad Jones, group editor, thank the young people, education in Suffolk, said: “The staff and volunteers who have East Anglian Daily Times and been a part of the awards have been at the very ceremony. It was a memorable heart of the Suffolk evening and a great way to community for celebrate the hard work of so well over 100 many people in our county. years. “I’d also like to say a huge well “Just like our done to the two young people who readers, we want co-presented the awards alongside children in Suffolk to enjoy the Terry Baxter. They did a fantastic very best education throughout job and I wish them every success their time in school and further in the future.” education. That’s why we are Suffolk’s County Music Service at this passionate supporters of the For full details of the winners and Raising the Bar winners Finlay and Amber Gooch-Boags with headteacher Melanie year’s Raising the Bar Awards Raising the Bar initiative, which finalists visit www.rtbawards.com Mills at Trinity Park Ipswich Star | Friday, July 13, 2018 3 Raising the Bar AwardsNews 2018

Young Achiever of the Year - Primary The Young Supported by Vertas and Schools’ Achiever of Choice the Year - Primary Winner: Isobelle Fermor, winner was Sidegate Primary School Isobelle Fermor. The Isobelle puts 100% effort into all award was her learning and is a sponge for collected by knowledge. She’s an incredibly her mum, intelligent young lady but also Lisa very caring and respectful Picture: towards her peers and adults. She WARREN was elected as Sidegate’s Prime PAGE, Minister in May 2017 and proved PAGEPIX LTD to be an excellent ambassador for the school. The award was collected by her mum, Lisa. Runners up: Christopher Perry, Warren School; Owen Free, Handford Hall Primary School. Young Achiever of the Year - Secondary

Supported by Vertas and Schools’ Choice

Winner: Daniel Hibbins,

Daniel is head boy, a role model for his peers and younger students and represents the school confidently within the community. He’s committed to his studies and is predicted to achieve a set of GCSE grades at Grade 7 or above. Daniel also has a keen interest in French and took his French GCSE as an afterschool course in Year 10, achievinh a grade B. Runners up: Josefina Santa De La Paz, Claydon High School, Ernie Simmons, Ormiston Endeavour Academy. The Young Achiever of the Year Post-16 Education/Training winner was Jonathan Durston Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD

Young Achiever of ambassador for Kesgrave High moment” at the end of a question. “This year we are co-supporting educating and broadening the the Year - Post-16 School. He’s an extremely This is something he speaks about the awards with Schools’ Choice. horizons of our young people. hardworking, self-motivated and with great pride and achievement. Both companies have strong links “The young achiever of the year education/training organised student who has not Jonathan’s teacher describes to the majority of schools and awards recognise children and only had success in his own him as an amiable and empathetic academies in the county. young people who have worked Supported by Vertas and Schools’ studies but has been a key role student who supports others to do “While Vertas look after tirelessly to overcome obstacles or Choice model for Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 their very best. catering, cleaning, the fabric of personal barriers to improve their students at his school. He’s helped Jo Lardent, group commercial the buildings and grounds, learning.” Winner: Jonathan Durston, many of his fellow students director, Vertas Group Limited, Schools’ Choice offer HR, finance, Runners up: Bethan Rees, develop an understanding of said: “We’re honoured to once and governor services. Allowing Thurston Community English and maths by again be supporting Suffolk’s school staff to focus all their College; John Warren, Suffolk Jonathan is an incredible experiencing that “lightbulb superb Raising the Bar initiative. attention on the crucial task of . 4 Friday, July 13, 2018 | Ipswich Star NewsRaising the Bar Awards 2018

Rising Star of Amber was diagnosed period they have both with para-meningeal been though they have the Year embryonal coped tremendously rhabdomyosarcoma. well and their attitude She received treatment to learning has been a first in the UK and then true reflection of this. spent three months in Brad Jones, group Supported by the the USA for her final editor, Archant in Ipswich Star treatment. Amber and Suffolk, said: “We are Finlay missed half-a- delighted to support the Winners: Amber term of school because Raising the Bar Awards. Gooch-Boags, The of their move across the The Rising Star of the Rising Star of the Albert Pye Primary Atlantic and back again, Year award recognises Year winners School; Finlay Gooch- but this hasn’t phased those children and Amber Boags, Ravensmere either of them. Amber young people who have Gooch-Boags Infant School is now coming to the worked tirelessly to and Finlay end of Year 3 and Finlay overcome obstacles or Gooch-Boags The brother and sister is about to complete his personal barriers to Picture: team are a true reception year. improve their WARREN PAGE, inspiration. In May 2017 Despite the difficult learning.” PAGEPIX LTD

Educational Setting of the Year winner Coupals Primary Academy Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Educational “Our mission is to use education as a catalyst for Setting of the positive social change and Outstanding Contribution as a Volunteer winner David Verney of St Alban’s Catholic High School prosperity for the Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Year community we serve, leaving no one behind. Outstanding leading by example and Supported by West Suffolk “We wholeheartedly ensuring all involved are College school life. support education that Contribution as a clear about their moral Coupals Primary exists to raise achievement purpose. Winner: Coupals Primary Academy’s was judged as and serve the communities Volunteer Joanna Howell, Suffolk Academy good by Ofsted’s last visit they support. County Council’s and the school has since “Outstanding education Supported by senior governance advisor, The academy has been on a then expanded into two comes from outstanding GovernSuffolk said: “School volunteers significant journey of form entry and new leadership and we are play such an important school improvement over premises. particularly excited to be Winner: David Verney, St role in the education the last three years. Having Dr Nikos Savvas, associated to an award that Alban’s Catholic High system. been judged by Ofsted as principal of West Suffolk recognises this in practice School “It’s great that Suffolk inadequate in 2014 it College and chief executive too. residents continue to put created a five-year vision in of Suffolk Academies “Well done to the winner, David has been the chair of never wavered in their skills into schools for September 2015 which saw Trust, said: “West Suffolk it is a great honour to governors for the last two his purpose of improving the benefit of children and a focus on excellent College is thrilled to be this sponsor and recognise your years. During this time he’s outcomes for the young young people.” teaching, research, year’s support of the achievements”. led the school through an people at the school. curriculum and educational setting of the extremely difficult period He has brought together Runners up: Kim Palmer, development and building year award as we are Runners up: Stratford St of change with courage and the governing body into a Wilby CEVC Primary sustainable systems. Three passionate about the Mary Primary School, vision. cohesive and effective School; Alison Cole, years on this vision is well education service we Sixth Form Despite facing some team through sheer grit Brooklands Primary and truly embedded into provide. College. serious challenges, he has and determination, School. Ipswich Star | Friday, July 13, 2018 5 Raising the Bar AwardsNews 2018

Excellence in Middle Leadership winner Tarryn Berry, of Thurston Community College Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Support Staff of the Year winner Steven Knott, of Suffolk New College Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Excellence in Support Staff of delighted to support this award in recognition of the Middle the Year unsung support staff who work with schools and Leadership Supported by Teach Suffolk settings to enable students people in the construction to attend valuable Supported by Suffolk Winner: Steven Knott, industry by visiting schools extracurricular events, Primary Headteachers transformation in the every aspect of her role. Suffolk New College across Ipswich and south attend to their pastoral and Association and Suffolk progress of the students. Jacqui Frost, executive Suffolk, making nutritional needs and Association of Secondary Indeed in 2017, the officer of Suffolk Primary Steven is a technician for presentations and taking generally go the extra mile Heads progress of students at the Headteachers’ Association, plumbing and construction activities with him, so they to support the joint end of Key Stage 4 was said: “The role of the courses. Steven has evolved can have a go and see if a ambition of producing Winner: Tarryn Berry, within the top 25% of middle leader is key to the his role into much more career in the construction successful young people Thurston Community centres nationally and it success of any school and than a typical technician. industry is for them. well equipped to shine in College. continues to improve. it’s great to see it being Through his commitment Steven’s colleagues feel whatever they choose to Tarryn is an inspiration to recognised.” and dedication to his role he very strongly he is a do.” Tarryn is the head of colleagues and students has found opportunities for positive role model for the English at Thurston alike. She’s enthusiast for Runners up: Nicola students to work on position of technician Runners up: Danielle Community College. Over the subject and engenders Johnson, Halifax Primary community projects which within an education setting. Taylor and Natalie King, St the last three years her that enthusiasm in those School; Hannah Cragoe, benefit the students and the Julia Dolan, chief Gregory CEVC Primary exceptional leadership has she works with day in and Stradbroke Primary community. executive officer, Teach School; Lyn Wines, brought about a day out and throughout School. He also engages young Suffolk, said: “We are Brooklands Primary School.

Excellence in Teaching

Supported by Teach Suffolk

Winner: Debbie Nice, St Gregory CEVC Primary School and more valued than they otherwise Excellence Debbie is the heartbeat of St Gregory would. in Teaching CEVC Primary School. She’s an Julia Dolan, chief executive Officer, winner outstanding teacher whose kindness Teach Suffolk, said: “We are always Debbie and willingness to do anything for looking for excellent, inspiring and Nice, of St anyone has a positive impact on staff ambitious teachers who want to work Gregory morale. She is an incredible role or train in Suffolk Schools. Excellent CEVC model to her colleagues, putting the teachers deliver great outcomes for Primary children first and doing all she can children and Teach Suffolk is School for them. delighted to support their award.” Picture: She understands how to look at the WARREN needs of the whole child and because Runners up: Louisa Hubbard, PAGE, of her the school is a more nurturing, Suffolk New College; Luke Waller, PAGEPIX caring place and children feel safer Suffolk New College. LTD 6 Friday, July 13, 2018 | Ipswich Star NewsRaising the Bar Awards 2018

Educational tracking results show “The Raising the Bar more than 45% of the awards are an Leader of the children are important way of exceeding in their recognising excellence Year education. and success in all parts Under her leadership, of the county and to use Presented by director of children are taught to these examples to health, wellbeing and be independent, inspire others. children’s services at respectful and “I am delighted to Suffolk County Council compassionate with a present the award for strong understanding Educational Leader of Winner: Lisa Wright, of their rights as the Year to thank that Wigwams Nursery individuals. leader who is going the Sue Cook, director of extra mile and who Lisa has led Wigwams health, wellbeing and deserves recognition for for more than 10 years, children’s services, this.” Educational consistently providing Suffolk County Council, Leader of the brilliant outcomes for said: “With education Runners-up: Vicky Year winner the children who results in Suffolk O’Brien, Worlingham Lisa Wright attend. The nursery has improving faster than Church of England Picture: received many those nationally, there Primary School; Daniel WARREN outstanding gradings is much to celebrate in Woodrow, St Gregory PAGE, from Ofsted and recent education in the county. CEVC Primary School. PAGEPIX LTD

Business Partner of the Year winner Morgan Sindall Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Excellence in Collaboration winners the Student Life Project Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Business Partner Paul Lowes, managing Excellence in mental health and sexual director, Opus Teach, said: health. of the Year “Opus Teach Ltd is a new Collaboration Carol Hitchman, and rapidly growing strategic lead – leadership Supported by Opus Teach business. We are committed Supported by School to and governance, School to to adding value as a supply School Support Partnership School Support Winner: Morgan Sindall teaching service by Partnership, said: “The construction sector has to providing exceptional Winner: Student Life to include additional partnership recognises the Morgan Sindall is offer and the career quality, fairness and Project educational settings need for, and value of, passionate about ensuring pathways available. transparency in all that we throughout Suffolk. collaboration to achieve young people have Last year Morgan Sindall do, while keeping profits in Student Life is a print and The publication will then the very best outcomes for opportunities to learn East Anglia organised and the public sector (as a digital publication written allow students from every schools. For this reason we about career options in the supported 67 educational wholly owned Suffolk by students in school years educational venue in the are delighted to support construction sector. They activities, engaging with County Council company). 12 and 13 at Kesgrave High county to collaborate the Excellence in believe engaging with more than 9,000 local “We are delighted to School and students at the together and steer the Collaboration category.” students while they are still students. They have also recognise the commitment . content and design of a in education will support supported 186 days work of businesses who make an The collaboration unique peer-to-peer print Runners up: The Suffolk raising aspirations and experience for 29 students impact and raise the between the school and the and digital magazine. Rainbow Conference, The provide a clearer and have created 748 weeks aspirations of children and university is being Topics include fashion, North Suffolk Hub of understanding of what the worth of apprenticeships. young people.” extended throughout 2018 beauty, travel, finance, Schools. Ipswich Star | Friday, July 13, 2018 7 Raising the Bar AwardsNews 2018

Inspirational Young Person of the Year 12 years and under

Supported by the East Anglian Daily Times

Winner: Jamie Small, Wickham Market Primary School

Jamie’s determination to succeed has exceeded the expectations of his family, friends, teachers and peers. His spirit has not only helped him cope with the tragic loss of his father, who sadly took his own life after having struggled to come to terms with life outside of the Army, but also gave him the strength to act as a champion and fundraise for the charity SSAFA which supported him and his mum Mandy. He’s an active, popular member of his school community and his positivity and resilience is an inspiration to others.

Runners Up: Morgan Stone, Inspirational Young Person of the Year 12 years and under winner Jamie Small Thomas Wolsey Ormiston Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD Academy; Alexander Folkard- Willis, Brooklands Primary. the fact she never made a fuss and was always so appreciative of everything are memories Inspirational Young that will stay with those who Person of the Year February from cancer. She was knew Jess. an inspirational young lady Her family, friends, teachers 13 years and over who embraced education and and peers are so proud to have every opportunity presented to known her. Jess’s mum Anita Supported by the East Anglian her. accepted the award on her Daily Times She loved life and didn’t let daughter’s behalf. Inspirational speaker Tommy Curry Picture: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD her battle with cancer phase Winner: Jess Grant, Kesgrave her. Always positive she was a Runners Up: Ewan Ley, West High School true trouper. Suffolk College; Jonathan Turning negatives to Her dry and subtle sense of Stammers, Coplestone High Jess sadly passed away in humour, her smile and laughter, School. positives: Tommy’s inspirational journey

Last year’s Raising the Bar These issues have also been finalist Tommy Curry gave an escalated through his daily Inspirational inspirational interview on the dealings with his type 1 Young Person night, speaking to presenter diabetes. of the Year 13 Terry Baxter about the However, not to defeat him, years and challenges he has overcome and Tommy remains positive, vowing over winner how you can turn negative to help other people. was Jess influences into positive ones. He has launched a cancer Grant. Her support group and last year - the mum Anita Over the last six years Tommy has morning after the Raising the Bar collected the had to deal with the tragic events Awards ceremony - he flew off to award on her of coping with his father’s cancer Italy to walk 250 miles in 10 days behalf diagnoses and the death of his to show type 1 diabetics the Picture: best friend. disease doesn’t have to stop you WARREN As a result, he’s had periods of doing anything active, a common PAGE, suffering with mental health association. PAGEPIX LTD issues, in the form of anxiety and Tommy raised over £12,000 for depression. charity. 8 Friday, July 13, 2018 | Ipswich Star NewsRaising the Bar Awards 2018

Excellence in Teaching finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards

Inspirational Young Person of the Year 12 years and under finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards Pictures: WARREN PAGE, PAGEPIX LTD

Educational Setting of the Year finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards

Excellence in Collaboration finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards

Inspirational Young Person of the year 13 years and over finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards

Young Achiever of the Year Primary and Secondary finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards Excellence in Middle Leadership finalists at this year's Raising the Bar Awards