The Ana Leaf Foundation donates just under £3,000 to local schools

The Ana Leaf Foundation has donated just under £3,000 to the Jersey schools who either won or were runners up in this year’s De Putron Challenge.

All the finalists across the three age groups (Year 6, Year 8 and Post-16) received cash for their school to be spent on educational causes that promote learning and development. 

The De Putron Challenge returned in November for its biggest ever event showcasing the Channel Islands’ brightest young minds.  The finalists in Year 6 were St Mary’s Primary School, Jersey College for Girls, Helvetia House and St George's Preparatory School.  In the Year 8 challenge the finalists were Victoria College and De La Salle and in the Post-16 event they were Hautlieu School and Victoria College.

St George’s is planning to put its money towards some brand new playground equipment, including skipping ropes, balls, bats and hula hoops.  Jersey College for Girls will be taking its Year 6 class to see the adaptation of 'Wonder', a book they have been studying this term, at the cinema and Helvetia House is going to use its winnings to buy some new library books.

De La Salle College won both the Year 8 challenge and the Inter-Island Final.  Year 8 teacher, Mr Dowie, said: “We have decided to buy a complete set of revision work books for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. These books will be used for the current Year 11’s to aid them in their revision for their upcoming summer examinations. They will not only be used to aid the Year 11’s this year, but for future Year 11 cohorts.  It’s a fantastic resource and one that wouldn’t have been achievable without this prize money.”

Amanda Simmons, a trustee of the Ana Leaf Foundation, said: “The aim of the De Putron Challenge is to encourage academic prowess and to highlight that it’s cool to be clever. Not only do the students who represent their schools take a lot away from the experience, but we hope the rest of their peers, who came along on the day, also learn a lot too.

“We are delighted to have been able to support Channel Islands schools with various projects, trips, much-needed equipment and additional reading material.  It’s great to see what some of this year’s prize money has gone towards to help the students with their learning.”

The De Putron Challenge will return for students in Year 6, Year 8 and Post-16 age groups in the autumn of 2018.