STUDENTS have been recognised for completing the first part of their secondary education before they look ahead to GCSEs.
Year 8 students at Trinity Academy, in Thorne, took part in their own graduation ceremony watched by hundreds of parents and family members.
Each of the 235 students received a certificate and those who graduated with honours received a mortar board, with which they celebrated their success.
A further group of students were recognised for special achievement.
Principal David Page said: “Year 8 have reached a standard that will help them to move up through the academy. You have got to work hard all the way through secondary school if you want to do well, achieve your personal best and realise your dreams.
“It’s pressure, and it has been hard at times, but better to have that pressure early on than to try and catch up later. We have set the bar particularly high to achieve honours, so those students can be very proud at the standard they have reached.”
All the students will be able to wear the senior academy tie from September as they start their three-year GCSE courses.
Mr Page added: “It’s a significant step for these students and it has been great to see so many family members supporting them, which reinforces what an important step it is. There’s a real sense of community and pride.”
Academic director for key stage three, Shaun McArthur, added that it had been a challenging year for students.
He said: “They’ve really wanted this, there’s been a real build-up within the year group towards today. Parents have been very engaged and asked us what they can do to help their children.
“Our graduation ceremony, which we have done for the last three years, is a lovely climax and reward for all the students’ efforts. They have the knowledge, skills and, importantly, the right attitude to start on their GCSEs and leave a legacy of improved attainment.”
Alice Ball, Alexa Barker, Amy Butler, Leon Chappell, Oliver Clark, Kai Davenport, Chloe Feirn, Taylor Gray, Ted Green, Mollie Hames, Kia Holgate, Amelia Hutchinson, Hannah Jackson, Mitchell Jackson, Sacha Jones, Samuel Middleton, Molly Plant, Kelly-Nicole Roberts, Cleo Rogers, Erin Scott, Alice Smith, Caitlan Smith, Amy Stewart, Harrison Taylor, Courtney Wainwright, Emma Walker, Luke Westacott, Casey Wilkinson, Mia Wood.
