On the final Thursday of the academic year, James Calvert Spence College (JCSC) proudly hosted our annual Awards Celebration Evening. This is a special occasion dedicated to recognising and celebrating the achievements, character and potential of our incredible young people.
The evening was opened by our Headteacher, Mr Andriot, who warmly welcomed students, parents, carers, staff and invited guests. In his opening address, he spoke of his delight at bringing everyone together to celebrate not only academic success, but the whole child – recognising the qualities, values and determination that make our pupils so special.
Mr Andriot also introduced our distinguished VIP guests, who each played an important role in presenting awards and sharing words of encouragement with our students and families.
We were delighted to welcome Anne Gouldthorpe, Chair of Governors, who, after a successful career as a Headteacher in South London, moved to the North East and immediately became an invaluable member of the JCSC community. Anne is a passionate advocate for our young people, providing both support and challenge while always placing the interests of our students and wider school community at the heart of everything she does.
Joining her on stage was Professor Mike Wyllie, whose extensive senior leadership experience within the pharmaceutical industry is matched by his commitment to supporting young people through his role as Secretary of the Amble and Warkworth Rotary Club. As corporate members of the Rotary Club, JCSC has been able to provide students with fantastic opportunities, from community events and team-building activities to outdoor and leadership experiences.
We were also thrilled to welcome back former student Molly Smith, now a multimedia journalist with the BBC, working across television, radio and online platforms. Molly spoke passionately about her own journey since leaving JCSC, encouraging students to discover what they love, pursue it with determination and never underestimate where hard work can take them. Looking out across the audience, she remarked that among those seated before her were future speakers at JCSC Awards Evenings.
Throughout the evening, our VIP guests presented certificates, trophies and congratulations to each award recipient before sharing their own inspiring reflections. Molly encouraged students to find what they love and work hard at it, while Professor Wyllie reminded everyone that in an increasingly AI-driven world, the best way to stand out is to discover and develop the qualities that make you unique.
Awards were presented across every year group in five prestigious categories, celebrating the many different ways our students excel:
- Achievement Award – recognising outstanding academic achievement, celebrating students whose hard work, tenacity and pride in learning have enabled them to consistently perform at the highest level.
- Progress Award – celebrating students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving their learning, embracing challenge and striving to achieve their very best.
- Kindness Award – recognising those who consistently put others before themselves, demonstrate exceptional manners and show empathy and emotional intelligence in everything they do.
- Resilience Award – honouring students who have shown remarkable grit, determination and perseverance, overcoming challenges with courage and continuing to move forward with positivity.
- Leadership Award – celebrating our future leaders, recognised for the positive influence they have through school life, sporting achievements and contributions to the wider community.
During the event, families enjoyed refreshments and had the opportunity to capture memories together beneath our celebratory balloon arch.
One of the most moving moments of the evening came as a specially produced highlights video was shown, showcasing memorable moments from throughout the school year. The film featured drone footage of the JCSC site as we prepare for an exciting new chapter in our new school building, alongside a heartfelt tribute to our much-loved receptionist, Wendy Young, who sadly passed away earlier this year. Wendy touched the lives of so many members of our school community, and it was fitting that her dedication and kindness were remembered during such a special evening.
The JCSC Annual Awards Celebration Evening was a truly heartwarming occasion and a wonderful way to bring the academic year to a close. It was an opportunity to recognise not only excellence in learning, but also the kindness, resilience, leadership and determination that define our students.
To every award winner, nominee and student who continues to embody our school values of Be Kind, Work Hard and Aim High – congratulations. We are immensely proud of everything you have achieved and cannot wait to see what the future holds.