This half term saw the official launch of the academy’s ‘CARE Award’, which aims to recognise students who make a special contribution to the wider life and ethos of the school.

The Award is modelled on the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, and has progressively more challenging bronze, silver, gold and platinum versions that students will work through during Key Stages 3 and 4. Students are required to complete key tasks in four categories linked to the academy’s CARE values. The academy’s spiritual life, fundraising and extra-curricular activities are highlighted as key factors.

Mr Harris, who oversees the Award, commented ‘We have launched the Bronze version of the Award with Year 7 and also the Silver version with Year 8.  Many students have already completed work towards the Award and will continue to do so this month during our Lenten charity fundraising activities. The Award is not linked to academic ability or classroom merits or warnings, and is therefore open and accessible to everyone in the first instance. We encourage all students to work towards achieving the Award.”

It is anticipated that rewards for completing each stage of the Award will include: formal blazer badges, an honours board, an official Presentation Evening and subsidised educational trips. There are also longer term plans to roll the Award out across Bishop Cleary MAC’s primary schools.