"Extraordinary" schoolwork wins international award

Thursday 12 February 2015

Local secondary school students have been proving what a talented bunch they are - winning top prize in an international competition and thousands of pounds worth of training for their teachers.

Les Quennevais beat off stiff competition from their peers around the world and wowed judges with their musical instrument made from driftwood and scallop shells, a poem comparing education to a trip to Mars and an anti-pollution beach geology project.

The competition was organised by the Innovation Unit – the independent body that works with governments around the world – to showcase “extraordinary work” in schools.

Judge Carla Littlefield from the world renowned High Tech High in San Diego said: “The work was chosen because of the extraordinary care and attention given to it. It was work that made you say ‘wow, I can’t believe this was done by a student of this age’.

“It made you question how students can be capable of such work and that the students really surpassed their own expectations and redefined their own limitations, but not only does it do all that, it really goes to the next level of analysing real world issues such as pollution which gives an authentic need for what they are doing.”

Seven projects were entered in the competition by teacher Peter Jones, including this poem:

He said: “Our students are constantly creating beautiful work that inspires us all and I am delighted they have got such prodigious recognition. The judges come from one of the most awe-inspiring schools on the planet, so for them to give such positive comments about what we are doing is incredibly rewarding.”

The school has won a free day of training worth thousands of pounds to help them plan more inspirational learning opportunities for youngsters and Mr Jones will be showing the schoolwork off to headteachers and specialist teachers across the UK.

Head teacher Sarah Hague said: “I am completely bowled over that our students have won this competition. Having the opportunity to work with other great teachers is beyond exciting for our staff and students.”