Posted on 28th Jul
Magnus Church of England Academy has celebrated the achievements of its students at the annual Magnus Awards event.
Awards were given in each year group for the academy’s values of Determination, Integrity, Ambition, Humility and Compassion; in addition to subject and 100% attendance awards.
Special awards for sports, character, excellence, community, and alumni were also given, and a worthy member of the Magnus Combined Cadet Force, Tristan Knighton, received the prestigious Sir Andrew Pulford Award, and was presented with a ceremonial sword by the special guest himself.
Anna Martin, academy principal, said: “Our Academy Awards ceremony is a chance for us to celebrate some of the wonderful memories we have made as an academy over the course of the previous academic year.
“Our staff and students work so hard, and this event gives us an opportunity to recognise their commitment to our vision as an academy, that of developing young people of good character, who achieve excellence and make a positive contribution to their communities.”
Guest speaker, Air Chief Marshal, Sir Andrew Pulford (retired) shared his memories of attending Magnus and living in Newark.
He also talked of the core values of the Royal Air Force and how they fitted with Magnus’ own vision, saying: “I think that the Royal Air Force principles of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence (RISE) are right for anyone, of any age, whether it be in education or later in life. Respecting the opinions and values of others is paramount, and maintaining integrity, and standing up for all of that is so important.
“It is interesting that Magnus embraces it, and clearly the Air Force through those four words; and I think there is a continuum for me personally, from my school time here at Magnus, right through to my career of 40 years. All of the Magnus students have done so well.
“As someone who came from this community, I hope I can inspire students, and demonstrate by my career and by my life, that anything is possible.”
Student Beatrice Cullen made repeated visits to the stage as she won awards for Year 8 Ambition, Special Award for Excellence, Top iChoose Points, and Year 8 Avid Reader award.
She said: “I am really pleased. Last year I only won the Avid Reader award, so I am quite happy. I think I am most surprised by the Special Award for Excellence because I wasn’t expecting that. It is nice to see how much everyone was encouraging each other at the awards. My family will be proud.”
Elita Coggan won the Special Award for Year 11 Alumni and said: “It was a big shock when I got invited back to school to receive the award. It was a really nice way to complete that period of my education.
“They explained that the award was for the person who embodies the values of Magnus and is happy to get involved with all aspects of school life. I hope I am like that!”
Elita says her plans now are to stay on at Magnus for A Levels and study Criminology, Biology and History. She said despite receiving a few awards over the years, she still found the event induced some nerves.
“I felt quite nervous about going on stage, especially listening to the speech before, but I must say it’s been so nice to see the younger students smiling and happy at receiving recognition, that was so lovely to see,” she added.
