These students were selected because they truly hit the ground running. Their commitment, excellent conduct, and positive approach to their studies in the first term have been nothing short of exemplary, and they have quickly become wonderful ambassadors for the Academy. Recognising and celebrating this kind of dedication is incredibly important to us.

The trip itself was a huge success. While the students enjoyed seeing the wide variety of species, the clear highlight for everyone was the time spent observing the magnificent polar bears. It was a memorable experience that provided a great chance for the students to see how some of the concepts we cover in class, particularly around conservation and habitats, play out in the real world.

Mr. Asplin, Head of Year 7, reflected on the day:

“The rewards trip today had lots of highs, especially as we took students who were mesmerised by the sight of lots of different animals, many for the first time. For some, seeing the polar bears or red pandas was a highlight, while others loved stroking the wallabies or coming face-to-face with the lemurs. The real highlight for me, however, was the fantastic feedback we received from numerous members of the public expressing how polite and considerate our students were. This included a lovely moment when they spontaneously sang 'Happy Birthday' for a toddler, which was a gesture that overjoyed her grandparents.”

We are already busy planning more exciting rewards and opportunities for later on in the year. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the achievements of our hard-working students and encourage all Year 7s to keep up the excellent work they have started.