Former Les Voies students up for national awards
TWO students who attended Les Voies School have been shortlisted for the Engage in Their Future National Awards, which has 120 member schools.
Connor Powell, 16, was shortlisted for the leavers' success story award and Blaize Le Sauvage, 16, for the judges’ special award.
They have both been invited to an award ceremony in Manchester on 3 November.
‘I am so proud of both students for their fantastic achievement,’ said head teacher Jonathan Furley.
‘This year’s theme of journeys reflects the school ethos and the success of all students, no matter what their starting point.’
Only three students were shortlisted for each of nine categories, with the opportunity to win bronze, silver, or gold.
Manchester was an exciting prospect for Blaize, who joined the school in Year 8.
‘It felt brilliant to be shortlisted,’ she said. ‘None of us knew so it was a big surprise.
‘It’s crazy to look at when I started the school to now – there were many other people telling me I wouldn’t get my GCSEs but I walked out of Les Voies with them.'
Connor, who joined Les Voies when he was in Year 2, said: 'You see lots of different people come in and out of the school.
‘The awards are a good way to round it all off.’
He was shocked by the nomination but said it definitely recognised his achievements.
‘They saw the effort that was being put in.'
Learning support assistant Jacky Sillars, who was one of those who nominated Connor, had known him since before he started at the school.
'I’ve been so lucky to see his whole journey. It was quite an emotional experience.
‘It’s almost like me saying goodbye to my own child. The school is such a unique environment and you get to know the students on such a personal level.
‘It’s why we do the job – it’s the most rewarding experience.’
National Awards judging panel chairman Lynn Richards said: ‘After such a prolonged period of challenge and adversity, it is fantastic to be able to celebrate and share the inspirational journeys of these students.'
n Les Voies, in Collings Road, is for children aged between nine and 16 who experience social, emotional and mental health difficulties.
