Beacon awards shine a light on 14-19 triumphs
Last updated 16:05, Wednesday, 24 September 2008
MORE than 200 local partners in 14-19 education in West Cumbria attended a celebration evening at the new Wave Centre in Maryport.
Key members of the community including councillors, teachers, principals, lectures, training providers, employers and young people gathered at the event on Thursday September 11.
The Beacon Award Celebration evening kicked off with words from David Sibbit, chair of the 14-19 Partnership, who introduced guest speakers including Stephen Mason, of Cumbria Children’s Services in West Cumbria, who outlined the nature and significance of the ‘Better Brighter Futures’ Beacon Award.
Valerie Hallard, of the West Cumbria 14-19 Partnership, presented a photographic story of 14-19 education partnerships working locally.
This was followed by the all important award presentations to young people who have benefited from collaborative working between the members of the partnership.
Cumbria’s Young Apprentice of the Year, Dale Stephenson, presented awards to engineering and performing arts young apprentices.
Unveiled at the event was a new award to mark the Partnership’s Beacon achievement. The Chris Agnew Award for ‘Learner Voice’ was presented into his parents’ safekeeping until its presentation to the first award holder at the end of the year. The new award was presented by student councils’ sabbatical volunteer, Damon Newton.
Also handed over on the evening were Key Skills awards presented by Mark Smith, of the Cumbria Fire Service, to young people who had taken part in a Fire Service training course through an engagement programme.
Local schools also received acknowledgement on the night for participation in Partnership provision with awards given to Solway School and St Joseph’s Catholic High School.
The celebrations continued after the awards ceremony with entertainment from local young people and a buffet supper made and served by students of Lakes College.
Cumbria’s Youth Music Action Zone project – Soundwave – provided top class entertainment from its ‘Beat-it-up’ drummers.
Damon Newton rose to the role of MC and introduced a specially developed original piece of drama and dance by first year performing arts young apprentices, supported by Theatre by the Lake’s group, New Directions.
Closing the event, young singer-songwriter Joe Johnstone wowed the audience with an intimate and confident acoustic performance of his own songs and one by his namesake Jack, picking up the theme of the event ‘better together’.
