Blyth academy celebrates its tenth anniversary

Haneen Al-ghazawi, Cory Davison and Jack Beall take the honours at Bede Academy’s Annual Presentation Day.

Among the activities during Bede Academy’s tenth year have been a royal visit and the arrival of a new principal.

The annual Presentation Day – hosted by students Neve McNally, Tabby Carling and Lucy Wilkinson – saw the Blyth academy look back over the past ten years of success and achievement.

The academy’s founding principal Gwyneth Evans returned as guest speaker and told the students they were benefiting from an exceptional education that encouraged them to develop their character, fulfil their potential and contribute in service to their community.

Gwyneth Evans, founding principal of Bede Academy, Blyth, returns as special guest to mark the end of its first decade

Miss Evans presented prizes to students across the year groups in between entertainment by the academy orchestra, Bede South and Bede Combined Choirs and grade eight pianist Jack Beall.

Star performers from the academy’s alumni – Ashleigh Charlton, Olivia Byrom, Olivia Logan – and current student Joanna Swainston took to the stage for a medley of songs taken from popular musicals.

The award for Outstanding Academic Achievement was presented to Haneen Al-ghazawi, 17, who joined Bede from her home country of Syria in 2018.

Principal Andrew Thelwell said: “She is a fine role model for young students and has supported Syrian students, making their transition as smooth as possible and often acting as translator.”

Cory Davison, 15, who suffered a brain tumour when he was six, was honoured with the Founders Award for Outstanding Student of the Year.

Mr Thelwell said: “Cory is an inspiration to us all. He has shown great courage and determination.

“He comes to school every day with a smile on his face and his cheery disposition has had a positive effect on all of us he meets. He is a comedian, a budding entrepreneur, a chef, a politician and an all-round nice person to be with.”

The Founding Principal’s Award for Outstanding Character went to Jack Beall who “has made Bede a better place to be with his contribution”.

Mr Thelwell added: “His GCSE results were among the best in his year group and he has been an ever-present helper in the music and audio visual departments for school productions and concerts, as well as regularly playing piano in assembly.

“He has taken much from life at the academy and paid it back in full through his commitment and willingness to go the extra mile.”