We held Medina College’s prestigious annual Awards Celebration last Thursday evening and what an event it was! The evening began with a wonderful performance from the Federation choir singing ‘Royals’ by Lorde. Mrs Southwell, as MC, then started proceedings and introduced Mr Parr-Burman who emphasised how each of the winners had demonstrated the key qualities of perseverance, resilience and determination. There then followed subject awards which were presented by our chair of governors, Mr Bridgeford; citations were read by the teachers who nominated the students (which added a personalised touch).

As the evening proceeded, we were treated to a performance by the VI Form band, led by the truly talented Tilly Grimshaw on vocals and guitar and backed by the equally gifted Josef Krista on piano and Rufus Reader on the bass. We also had a spine-tingling performance of Sam Smith’s ‘The Writing’s on the Wall’ by Hannah Cox which left a certain executive headteacher with a tear in his eye.

Awards culminated in three very special awards: The Progress and Achievement Award won by Oliver K, The Endeavour Award won by Finn M and the Head of School Award won by the inspirational Summer R. The evening was rounded off superbly by a majestic performance on the piano from Oliver K. All in all, it was an evening of celebrating the absolutely marvellous young people that it is our privilege to nurture and teach.