SHEFFIELD PARK ACADEMY STUDENTS WIN TWO NATIONAL AWARDS
Louise Innocent
/ Categories: News
Students and staff at Sheffield Park Academy are celebrating after two students won awards at United Learning’s Best in Everyone Awards 2021.
Each year the awards celebrate the impressive achievements of students, staff and teams in schools across United Learning. They recognise a wide range of successes, including exemplary academic performance, dedication to leadership and service, as well as lifetime achievement. 2021 marks the ninth year that the awards have been held and the second year that the presentation has been conducted virtually.
As part of this year’s online celebration, each winner was announced via a personalised video, shared on United Learning’s Twitter feed to an audience of over 10,000 followers. The bespoke videos include a photo of the winner, as well as a message from a member of the senior leadership team at the winner’s school.
The winners at Sheffield Park Academy were Year 11 student Mollie Azizi who won the Drama Award and Year 13 student Reece Bennett who won the History Award for Years 10-13. Both students were recognised for their exceptional commitment and the high quality of their work in their respective subjects. In picking up these awards, the winners saw off strong competition from a range of exceptional nominees across the country, with 400 nominations being submitted in total.
Praised in her nomination for being a “natural born actress”, Mollie has immersed herself in the world of performing arts at the academy. She has demonstrated an excellent ability to absorb new skills quickly and effortlessly and is a mentor to the academy’s younger students, inspiring them with her acting capabilities and determination.
Commenting on her win, Mollie said:
“I wasn't expecting to win at all! I am very surprised and grateful to my Drama teacher, Mrs Pleasance, for everything she and others have done for me. Throughout my time at Sheffield Park Academy, I have discovered more about myself as a person and that I absolutely love acting! I will definitely pursue it further in the future.”
Likewise, Reece took home the History Award for the impressive quality of his work and dedication to the subject, both in the classroom and beyond. In his nomination, Reece is credited for having “consistently produced sophisticated critical arguments” in essays, with his A Level coursework focusing on ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland highlighted as a particularly impressive piece of work.
Speaking about his award, Reece said:
“I am honoured to have won this award and am very grateful to Mr Squire for his nomination. He encouraged me to further my knowledge throughout my studies at the academy and helped me to realise my ambition of studying History at a Russell Group university next year.”
Roland Freeman, Principal at Sheffield Park Academy, said:
“It is fantastic to see our students recognised in these national awards, which celebrate achievements across our family of United Learning schools. Both Mollie and Reece have been brilliant members of our school community, as well as dedicated and thoughtful young people who are excelling in their respective studies and interests. They have shown real determination and ambition throughout their time at the academy and are highly deserving of these awards. We are very proud of them and excited to see how they continue to develop in these for the future.”