academy excellence awards
student reaches next phase of academy excellence awards
May 2011
The Aylesbury Vale Academy was celebrating today after hearing that Sadia Ahmad, a student who had been nominated for the Academy Excellence Awards, had been longlisted by judges.
Sadia Ahmad was entered to represent The Academy in the Technology category of the Awards. She had to submit an essay in answer to the question; "How Can Your Daily Journey To The Academy Be More Sustainable"?
Mr Jonathan Johnson, Principal said: "We're delighted that Sadia has progressed through to the longlist. This is a prestigious new educational awards scheme and we're thrilled that The Aylesbury Vale Academy will be represented. We're keeping our fingers crossed that she will reach the shortlist next month, but nevertheless this is a brilliant achievement."
Sadia said: "It was a challenging question and I worked hard on my essay so I'm pleased the awards panel liked it. I'm happy to be representing The Aylesbury Vale Academy in this exciting new competition."
The Academy Excellence Awards is a brand new initiative to celebrate academic achievement by students at academies. There are five subject categories in this pilot year – English, Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Technology – and students were asked to answer an essay question set by experts at the University of Nottingham. In addition there will be a team award for students who produce the best group project.
The Awards aim to provide a flagship initiative for the whole academies movement and are backed by an impressive steering group including Andrew Adonis, Director of the Institute of Government and former secretary of state for transport and minister for schools; Anthony McClaran, former chief executive of UCAS and now QAA; Kate Hobhouse, chairman of Fortnum and Mason; and Barbara Harrison, independent education advisor and former chief executive of the Girls Day School Trust.
The shortlist of five students per subject category will be announced on 6 June. Shortlisted students will be invited to represent their academy at an Inspiration Day and Awards Dinner on 6 July at the University of Nottingham.
