Retired Olympian presents Burghclere secondary school prizes

Guest of honour inspires pupils

A RETIRED Olympic high jumper inspired pupils and presented awards at a Burghclere secondary school’s annual presentation evening.

Ben Challenger, who represented Great Britain at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, was guest of honour at the awards evening at The Clere School, Earlstone Common.

Mr Challenger was also a bronze medal winner at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Headteacher Felicity Martin said the school was delighted to welcome back the students in the class of 2015 to receive their GCSE certificates.

She said: “We are proud of all our students who have worked so very hard for their success.

“They have achieved a great start as they enter further and higher education and the world of work.”

The Clere, she said, was one of very few schools in the area to have achieved an increase in GCSE results from last year and the evening was an opportunity to celebrate these results, and to reflect on achievements both individually and as a school.

During the evening, some 34 cups and trophies were awarded for outstanding attitude, commitment and progress in individual subject areas and including several special awards.

The Duncan Masson Trophy, which recognises contribution to extra-curricular music activities, went to Madeline Christy, while the Design Award, recognising a high level of creative flair, was won by Imogen Smith.

Sporting achievements were also recognised, with the Sporting Excellence Award going to Aaron Nesbeth for achieving the highest standard in a chosen sport and the Award for Sportsmanship for outstanding attitude and commitment in sport to Abigail Stamp.

The Karen Jones Cup, for extra effort and commitment throughout his time at school, was awarded to Ieuan Cleghorn.

Jack Capewell won the Service Cup – for contributing greatly to the life of the school – and the Community Cup, for contributing fully to the wider community of the school was won by Faye Lillywhite-Buley.

The Progress Cup, for making good academic progress, was awarded to Jessica Elliman, and the Award for Academic Excellence, for the pupil who achieved the best academic success, to Rosie Teasdale.

The Governor’s Cup, for excellent academic endeavour, was won by Bethany Ladd

The Head Boy and Head Girl Award went to James DuToit.