Harrow Way, who earlier this year celebrated some of their best ever GCSE results, recognised and congratulated the class of 2016 at their annual Presentation Evening, a particular highlight in the school year. Special guest, former student (2004-2009) and BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee’s, Josh Barnett joined the 2016 cohort, proud families, teachers and Governors for the event which celebrated and rewarded achievement, commitment and effort across the entire curriculum.
A very proud headteacher Michael Serridge welcomed back the former students praising them as an outstanding year group who he described as a credit to themselves, their parents and Harrow Way. What, he said, made the class of 2016 so special was the way they matured together, generating a year group ethos, setting standards for themselves and influencing other students in the process. He went on to comment: “The magic ingredients in a successful school are the staff and their expertise and dedication. All the staff at Harrow Way are dedicated professionals and I thank them. We have a very strong ethos and shared values held by everyone in our school community. Your success would also not be possible without the support of your families and your incredible hard work, resilience and determination. We are extremely proud of you all and I know to achieve the results you did, you pursued excellence and never gave up when faced with challengesâ€.
Mr Serridge went on to introduce Josh Barnett who graduated from Cardiff University in 2014, with a degree in Sports Coaching and shortly afterwards became student union president. Josh was second of the men in The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC 2 and is the founder of the clothing range ‘Treatment Clothing’. His designs have been worn by the likes of Little Mix and Carly Belmont from MTV’s The Valleys.
Before presenting the GCSE certificates and the Subject Awards Josh told the students that when at Harrow Way as a gifted footballer he was certain it would be the career for him but was unfortunately not good enough to play professionally so decided to coach instead which led him going to Cardiff University. During the summer before his final year his mother told him he had to either get a job or do something with purpose during the holidays so he dug out their old sewing machine and got to work experimenting. He continued to sew during his final year and following his graduation campaigned hard to become the university student union president (still sewing in his spare time).
Out of 800 applicants Josh was selected to go on BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee and although he didn’t win, gained the confidence to try making anything. He said to the students: “Although you may have some idea of the study and career path you may take, make sure you put all your efforts into whatever you do. Never give up and grasp every new opportunity with both hands because you never know what you’ll end up doing nextâ€.
A very special part of the evening is the trophy presentation, the winners of which are always a closely guarded secret and names revealed on the night were:
The Rotary Prize – presented to Luke Collinson and Brendan White
Donated by The Rotary Club of Andover and presented by Club President, Mr Tony Workman, for Community Vocational Service ‘Service Above Self’.
The Library Prize – presented to Harry Smallbones
Plate donated by Jo Ray, School Librarian 1995-2001, for dedication and commitment to the Library.
The Darling Cup – presented to Megan Hurt
In memory of Richard Darling, for outstanding contribution to Music.
The Chris Overton Cup – presented to Oliver Cox
Cup donated by Chris Overton, former headteacher, for Sporting Achievement.
The Hudson Cup – presented to Tia Dewhurst
Cup donated by Rob Hudson, retired teacher at Harrow Way for 35 years, for outstanding contribution to PE and School Sport.
The ‘Le Creuset’ Cup – presented to Lois Lloyd
Cup donated by Le Creuset, for outstanding performance in Catering.
The Chris Overton Shield – presented to Georgia Day
Shield donated by Chris Overton, former headteacher, for Performing Arts.
The Veale/Scicluna Shield – presented to Ella Shadwell
Shield donated by former English teachers, Margaret Veale and John Scicluna, for excellence in English and Media.
The Harrow Way Communications Trophy – presented to Adam Baston
Trophy donated by Owen Paterson, for outstanding contribution to ICT.
The Partner West Africa Award – presented to Katie Willis
Trophy donated by Sandy Craig of Partner West Africa for Rights Respecting Commitment.
The Office Depot Shield – presented to Harry Smallbones
Shield donated by Office Depot, for outstanding contribution and achievement in Mathematics and Computing.
The Will Dyke Cup – presented to Ella Taylor
Cup donated by John Tacey, former Vice-chair of Governors, presented by Brian Dyke for Exceptional Contribution to School Life.
The Burbidge Shield – presented to Joseph Joy
Shield donated by Becky Burbidge, former Chair of Governors, for Community Spirit.
The Harrow Way Trophy – presented to Mica Harris
For always being your best.
The Harrow Way Shield presented to Abigail Knapp
For Outstanding Personal Achievement.
The Harrow Way Cup – presented to Jessica Lee
To the Best All-rounder.
The Anne King Shield – presented to Ella Shadwell
The Highest Academic Achiever.
Presentations to Head Boy and Head Girl
Johnathan Ireland and Kiera Grimison.
The full programme of awards can be viewed here.