Newhouse Academy class of 2023 celebrate at awards evening

Date published: 23 November 2023

Newhouse Academy welcomed back former year 11 students to an awards ceremony on Thursday 9 November to formally recognise the successes of the year group.

Headteacher, Mr Alex Burnham spoke of the aspirations of the former year group. He congratulated them on their results, which through some challenging times, hard work and perseverance make Newhouse Academy the most improved academy from 2019 to 2023 within the borough of Rochdale. He also congratulated the prefect team who had worked hard during their year in office as mentors to the younger students and ambassadors of the school.

The awards were presented by the head of key stage 4, Miss Alex Derrington alongside head of year, Miss Megan Turner who praised her former year group.

48 awards were presented for attainment and ‘Our People’ (students that embody the academy’s values) in 24 subject areas and the class of 2023 also received their formal GCSE certificates issued by the exam boards.

Numerous memorial and special awards were then presented for varying aspects of academy life including service to the wider community, outstanding service as a prefect, outstanding progress at key stage 4, outstanding academic achievement, the ‘Our People’ Headteacher’s award and attendance.

The Paul Bowyer memorial award for ‘Overall Achievement in Computing’, was presented in memory of Paul, a popular, former head of department who taught at the school for 17 years until his retirement in 2018. Paul sadly passed away, unexpectedly, in 2022. Mrs Sally Forster, who worked with Paul to support students in computing presented the award to Miguel McNamara.

The Fred Wright award for ‘Service to the Wider Community’ was presented in memory of Fred, a much-loved governor for many years. A neighbour of the school, Fred’s passion came from his very firm belief that every child should have the opportunity to thrive; at home, at school and in the wider community.

The Fred Wright award for ‘Service to the Wider Community’ was presented to Erin Leech.

The James Roberts award for ‘Outstanding Service as a Prefect’, was presented by James’ mum to Imogen Holt.

The Joe Grieve memorial award for ‘Determination to succeed in Technology’, was presented to Jakub Fiebig.

Mrs Helen Vyse, acting chair of governors presented the award for ‘Outstanding Academic Achievement’ to Ben Harrison.

The ‘Our People, Headteacher’s award was presented to Beau Lavery.

Other award winners included Anna-Liese Brennan, Melissa Pearson, Lauren Poole, Keira Baker, Maicy Psaila, Katie Connell, Leighton Kevlin, Bradley Trickett, James Pitts, Pedro dos Santos, Alison Ogunmwenkha, Corey Davidson-Kavanagh, Thomas Evans-Kelsall, Jack Boswell, Ethan Holt, Lucas Bates, Leah Kirk, Rosie Ellis, Darcie Kilcourse, Alex Power, Brooke Kay, Ruby Marshall, Jack Kenny, Lily Stoneley-Flanagan, Teagan Gommersall and Sam McKler.

The evening closed with the class of 2023 catching up with former classmates and teachers.

Memorial and special award winners:

• The Jack Ashton Memorial Award for Overall Achievement in Science – Dylan Jones
• The Fred Wright Award for Service to the Wider Community – Erin Leech
• The Joe Grieve Memorial Award for Determination to Succeed in Technology – Jakub Fiebig
• The James Roberts Award for Outstanding Service as a Prefect – Imogen Holt
• The Paul Bowyer Award for Overall Achievement in Computing – Miguel McNamara
• The Mavis Taylor Award for Humanities – Nathan Kenworthy
• The Triple ‘A’ Award for Attendance awarded for 100% attendance over five years – Joshua Chorlton and Megan George
• The Award for Outstanding Progress at Key Stage 4 – Alison Ogunmwenkha and Asma Barat
• The Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement – Ben Harrison
• The ‘Our People’ Headteacher’s Award – Beau Lavery