Head Girls give Inaugural Speech at Prize Giving

Head Girls give Inaugural Speech at Prize Giving

Ormiston Forge Academy celebrated student achievement at their annual Prize Giving recently, which featured the debut of the two Head Girls for the 2019/2020 academic year.

Emily Baker and Jasneet Kaur delivered their inspiring inaugural speeches as Head Girls to a full house of 800 students, parents and guests at Champions Church in Netherton, Dudley. Both speeches focused on a central theme: Emily spoke on social progress within the local community, and Jasneet spoke on the importance of inclusion in academia.

The Forge Prize Giving evening is held annually every November, to award high-achieving students for their efforts in the previous academic year. The evening features a host of guests presenting a number of subject awards, community awards and sporting awards to our students, including Chair of Governors, Siddique Hussein. 

During the evening a dedication was made to the family of former headteacher Mr John Parker who died earlier in 2019. Mr Parker led the predecessor school, Heathfield Technology College, for 27 years. The Academy dedicated the Mountain Centre to his legacy and former teacher, Malcolm Kemble, led the tributes.

There were special performances throughout the evening from music and arts students, including a duet of Lewis Capaldi’s “Someone You Loved”, a solo guitar rendition of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and a group contemporary dance for Remembrance Day.

Over 200 students won prizes this year for their academic attainment, extracurricular achievements, and contributions to school spirit and the community through altruistic endeavour. Students received a complimentary book voucher with their badge, in an effort to encourage reading and improve literacy skills within school.

This year also featured the addition of the All Move Awards, created through a partnership with The Meadows School in Oldbury. The All Move Awards honours participation in the All Move Project, founded by the charity Mencap, to bring together young people with or without disabilities through sport and physical activity. The All Move Awards were presented by Ms Rupe Virk, Headteacher of the Meadows School, and Aneesa Farthing, Project Manager for Mencap.

Dr Lisa Mason, Principal of Ormiston Forge Academy, said:

“I want to send my congratulations to our fantastic students on their prizes. They continue to push the boundaries of what can be achieved. It is wonderful to see so many students excel and show ambition for their future. Our greatest goal is for students to demonstrate our school values of respect, aspiration and resilience, both in and outside of lessons, and Prize Giving is just one way of showing how we are succeeding in this endeavour.”