Page 3 - Autumn 2019 Echo draft v4

College News 1

Achievements, Awards and Inspirational Presenters at
Ivybridge Community College’s Awards evenings 2019.

on Tuesday, 17 September just under 400 students in Years 11 and 13 in the academic year of 2018-19 were
nominated by their teachers for either their outstanding endeavour or excellent Academic Achievements.
This year the event was hosted by two Year 13 students, Jacob Atkins and emily Bruce (see front page). The
two notable guests of honour were Professor Dann Mitchell and Jon White. Both provided inspirational talks,
with Jon talking about his experience as a Marine and his subsequent injuries whilst on active duty. Staff and
students alike were humbled by his positivity and desire to live life to the full, as well as continuing his
endeavours in life. Whilst Professor Mitchell stated that climate change is now happening and gave a very
thought provoking and fascinating insight into his world of research at Bristol University.
Awards were given for endeavour in academic subjects, Performing Arts and Sports Awards and finally,
Academic Achievement. Cups, shields and trophies were also presented across an array of areas. Musical
performances interspersed the Awards Ceremony with performances by the Performing Arts ensemble, the Big
Band and the Musical Theatre group.
Deputy Principal, gill Taylor, said, “having attended many of these celebrations I can honestly say that this was
a truly fantastic evening. It recognised those students who over a five or seven year period, have truly shone
and it was a sheer delight and honour to witness such worthy recipients cross the stage to receive their award
and applause from the audience, which consisted of parents, staff, governors and VIP guests”.

The success of the College’s sporting stars was also celebrated at its 2019 Sports Awards evening.
The awards were a clear demonstration of how strong Ivybridge Community College’s sporting programmes
continue to be, with countless examples of high-level sporting prowess and endeavour.
hosted by Chris Brown, Director of the College’s Sports Academy, and Naomi Philpot, head of Pe, medals and
trophies were awarded to students and teams.
The central theme running through the evening was the importance of participation and the recognition that
sport moulds individuals beyond the arena itself, leading to a shaping of their characters that will stand them in
firm footings for life’s challenges.
Some of the key points in the night included a speech by guest speaker gary Sawyer, the Plymouth Argyle
Captain, interviews with diving star Matt Dixon and cycling star Sylvia Misztal and
a video interview with former student and Saracens Rugby player Ben Spencer.
head of Physical education, Naomi Philpot said “Commitment and sacrifice are
two essential ingredients in any athlete’s success, so balancing a high level of
training alongside academic work forms a key part of the lives of those being
recognised at the awards. I commend every athlete at Ivybridge Community
College who has strived to improve their performance level over the past twelve
months. The Awards evening was a wonderful way to celebrate this and
recognise our exceptional students.” Ambition