Students’ work rewarded

The academy, in Upper Boundstone Lane, Lancing, held the event in the school’s new premises, as nearly 400 guests packed the sports hall to see the students recognised for their achievements.

The awards including a number of trophies, and shields were presented by Martin Fausset, managing director of Ricardo Engineering in Shoreham. Ricardo has recently teamed up with the academy to work with the school’s students, bringing real world examples of science, maths and design technology to them.

Three new awards with trophies made from the pistons of the McLaren F1 sports car were presented by Ricardo to students for their achievements in these subjects. The academy presented Mr Fausset with a trophy of interlocking cogs which had been designed and manufactured by year-13 3D design student Connor Lane.

The Woodard Board Award for enhancing the Christian ethos of the academy was won by year-11 student Simon Parker, who has raised considerable sums for charity this year, including organising an event for Help for Heroes in the summer. The principal’s award for outstanding commitment to the academy went to previous head girl Laura Day.

The academy jazz band, orchestra, choir, and steel band provided the evening’s soundtrack.