Wirral school shines spotlight on student success at annual awards

Boys Sports Team of the Year

St John Plessington Catholic College, Bebington, on Merseyside, recently honoured students' achievements, both academically and personally, at its annual awards ceremony.

The school was joined by special guest speaker and former St John Plessington student turned staff member, Mollie Dawson. Introduced by headteacher, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, as a "remarkable individual" and "true inspiration to many", Mollie's journey has been one of determination and perseverance.

Mollie shared with students and guests how she has had to overcome challenges within her life, but how this has shaped her into who she is today.

These challenges made her resilient, determined and motivated to keep moving forward, even when the path was not always straight forward.

Mollie spoke honestly, revealing: "Like many young people, I faced moments of self-doubt, but I made a conscious decision to not let those moments define or limit me".

Following Mollie's motivating speech, St John Plessington commenced its award celebrations by presenting individual subject awards to students who were nominated by class teachers and heads of department for their outstanding attitude to learning and subsequent success.

A total of 140 awards were given across 26 subject areas, including awards specific to students who studied certain subjects at GCSE and A-level.

Sophie, who received awards for her commitment to business studies, design technology and PE, said: "I am so pleased with my awards, I really wasn't expecting to pick them up. I know that coming into school and working hard should be an expectation but to be recognised for my work is really appreciated".

Last year's Year 13 leavers were also invited back to St John Plessington for the evening's celebrations and were presented with their Level 3 certificates to recognise the time they spent at the school during the final phase of their secondary education.

As well as academic achievements, pastoral awards were also presented to one student within each year group, as nominated by heads of learning and learning coaches, for the outstanding contribution they have shown to wider school life.

A section of the evening was also dedicated to students who have excelled in sports, demonstrated entrepreneurial initiative, pushed for positive change and developed as leaders.

Joseph, winner of the Outstanding Sports Performer Award, said: "I am incredibly grateful to my school for recognising my efforts and achievements so publicly. Being acknowledged in this way has motivated me to push myself to be the best I can be and has also helped increase my self-belief."

Syeda won the Pastoral Award and commented: "As someone who only joined St John Plessington at the start of Year 12, I feel so proud of how far I have come. I am truly grateful to have won this as it has shown me that my kindness and consistency hasn't gone unnoticed and I am going to carry on spreading positivity wherever I go."

Harriet was the recipient of the SJP Community Award and said: "Getting this award gave me the knowledge that my efforts had been positively recognised. I feel accomplished and proud that others see my talents I often hide. It gives me a sense of place and purpose. I am so grateful for this award and hope to continue through life making a positive contribution."

Team of the Year awards were also presented to the newly formed girls' U14 netball team and the U14 boys' rugby team. The girls' netball team were awarded Girls' Team of the Year for its community spirit and commitment that saw attendance at all after-school sessions and the mentorship of younger students within its first year of inception.

Meanwhile, the U14 rugby team took home the Boys' Team of the Year trophy due to the hard work and determination of members that saw them unbeaten all season following an extra-time defeat the previous year in the final of the Wirral Rugby Cup.

The final and most anticipated award presentation of the evening was the SJP Award. Open to all students, with nominations considered by all staff, this year's winner was Amelia in Year 12.

Demonstrating a fantastic attitude to learning, Amelia is a highly motivated student who is dedicated to all aspects of school life at St John Plessington. She has been involved in every production since joining the school in Year 7 and is also a lead ambassador for creativity on the junior leadership team.

Amelia said: "I received the SJP Award and the Drama Award. It was an extremely positive night, which had a distinct feeling of togetherness. I felt extremely proud to receive the awards and felt as if my actions throughout the years have made a positive impact."

Headteacher of St John Plessington Catholic College, Mr Peadar McLoughlin, said: "I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude and admiration for each and every one of our award winners. We've witnessed not just achievements, but a celebration of the human spirit and the pursuit of excellence.

"The diversity of the accomplishments recognised reflects the rich tapestry of St John Plessington's community. It is heartening to see the impact that individuals can make when they commit themselves to their craft, their goals and their communities."

St John Plessington Catholic College is a proud member of the Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust (HFCMAT) which comprises nine schools, including two secondary and seven primary, across Wirral and Cheshire.

CEO of HFCMAT, Mr Andy Moor, added: "Events like St John Plessington's annual awards ceremony capture the very best of what our Trust stands for. It is inspiring to see students recognised not only for their academic success, but for the opportunities they have embraced and their contribution to building a strong school community. Congratulations to all award winners!"

St John Plessington Catholic College is situated on Old Chester Road, Bebington. The SJP community is a place where all are respected, celebrated and encouraged to fulfil their true potential.

LINKS

St John Plessington Catholic College: https://stjohnplessington.com/

Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, HFCMAT: https://hfcmat.com/