Sheldon School recently held its annual Awards Evening to celebrate student achievement from the previous year. This is the most prestigious event on the school calendar, rewarding high standards of work, commitment and citizenship.
Headteacher Peter Lynch emphasised the significance of the evening, stating, “This event not only celebrates our students’ achievements but also fosters a sense of community pride.”
He highlighted how such gatherings reinforce the school’s core values of being kind, being brave and being the best you. “The Awards Evening serves as a reminder of the collaborative efforts that strengthen the local community and inspire the next generation.”
This year’s guest speaker was Simon Benton, a former Sheldon parent and current executive at the Pokémon company. Simon has worked closely with the Sheldon Pokémon Club over the past year, sharing his insight into the corporation and generously donating prizes for club events.
Remarking on his involvement in the Sheldon Awards Evening, Mr Benton said, “It’s a privilege to be involved in a community that values education and creativity.”
He spoke to the audience of students and families about the importance of staying curious and always asking ‘why’. He explained that his refusal to settle for the status quo led him on a unique career path that included working for leading trading card game companies like Pokémon, Panni and Topps, while also allowing him to work and travel all across the globe.
As a proud Sheldon parent, he noted that the education his children received at the school allowed his daughters to pursue their dreams at university and beyond.
Sheldon awarded over 240 students with prizes, including the coveted Beale trophy and Newsam Award for the students that showed the most outstanding contribution to the life of the school. This year saw the introduction of the Jessica Baker Award, named after a former Head Girl who recently passed away. This award was presented to a student in Year 7 who exemplifies the Sheldon values to be kind, be brave and be the best you.
Other top prizes in the evening included the Twinning Association Award for the top Modern Foreign Language students, Octoprint Award for excellence in Design and Technology, the Richard Bull Physical Education Award for a student in Y7 who excels in sport, the Rotary Club’s Community Award for service to the wider community, the Scholars Award and the Lydia Harding Award for courage and determination.
In addition, students in each year group received recognition for their efforts in each faculty area, as well as pastoral awards that recognised students for their excellent character, kindness and bravery.
The evening also included musical performances by the Sheldon flute group and soloists on piano and guitar.
Special guests at the Sheldon Awards Evening included Mayor Conor Melvin, Margaret Barrett of the Chippenham Twinning Association and Dr William Henry of the Rotary Association, as well as sponsors of the awards. Sheldon School would like to thank the Chippenham Floral Society, Innovate Impact Food Group, Sporting Gifts for their support of the Awards Evening.