On Wednesday 1 May 2024, we welcomed Year 9s and their parents/carers to school for our annual Key Stage 3 Celebration of Achievement Evening. Each May we take the opportunity to celebrate our Year 9s at this event, which marks the closure of their time in Key Stage 3, before they move up into Key Stage 4 and embark on their GCSEs at the beginning of June after the half term break. We were pleased to see so many parents and pupils in attendance. 

Pupils had been nominated across the faculties in the three categories of Attainment, Effort and Improvement. To have received a nomination was, in itself, a massive achievement, with a nomination in a subject placing a pupil in the top 5% of their year group - of which they should rightly be proud. Our Faculty Heads spoke fondly of the year group and their journey through Key Stage 3 and the highlights they have experienced, followed by presenting the nominations and then the winners.

Other awards included recognition of those who contributed during tutor time, those with excellent attendance of 100%, along with extra-curricular awards. With over 80% of the year group receiving a nomination, we recognised the difficulty of selecting not only those nominated but also the winners. I was pleased to present awards to pupils who had received 5 or more nominations across different faculties. Special congratulations to Jack J (9DO) and Xander E (9TU) who received the Headteacher's Outstanding Achievement Award.

Our guest speaker this year was former pupil, Nigel Boeteng, who, in November 2023, had received the Head Teacher's Award at the Key Stage 4 Celebration of Achievement. Nigel reflected on his time at Deer Park, the lessons learnt, and offered guidance to pupils as they prepare to move into Key Stage 4: 'I found that asking my teachers for advice and help was perhaps one of the best ways to overcome my challenges in moving to KS4. Seize the opportunities that come your way, and even if they appear to be slightly intimidating, there is nothing wrong with a small step out of your comfort zone.'

Year 9's Year Leader Mrs Ellison commented that "It was such a positive and supportive evening - it was great to celebrate our Year 9s' successes in Key Stage 3."

Rachel Brindley, Chair of the Local Governing Body, gave the vote of thanks.

Well done to all those pupils who were nominated and to the winners of the awards.

Mr Bellamy, Assistant Head