11:58am Monday 19th November 2007
By Gary Bills-Geddes
OVER 100 students were rewarded for excellence at John Mase-field High School's presentation evening yesterday (Thursday).
The theme was exploring and guest of honour was Adam Munthe, of Hellens, Much Marcle.
It came after the Ledbury Reporter carried an article about Mr Munthe leading a dog-sled expedition to the Finnmark in the Arctic Circle.
It was to investigate the effect of global warming on the Sami people, who lead a traditional lifestyle in one of the coldest spots on earth.
School manager Wendy Bradbeer said: "He's just the sort of role model we need for the children, because we encourage every student to go out and explore."
Mr Munthe prepared a thought-provoking presentation, saying: "What was it all for? To see with our own eyes, to hear with our own ears, to listen to the people who live there about what is changing for them."
Judging by the successes of this academic year, the students seem well equipped for the challenges ahead.
Head Andrew Evans said: "It was an excellent year. For the fifth time our students achieved the best ever A'Level results for the high school and we achieved a great improvement in our GCSE results."
The new Peter Garnett Trophy has been shared by 12 students this year, in recognition of excellence in environmental studies and in memory of the former deputy head of the school, who died last year.
Mr Garnett, formerly of Wellington Heath, was a keen member of the Ledbury Naturalists for many years.
One of the recipients, Becky Brown, aged 14, lives in Wellington Heath. She said: "He was always someone you would want to see about the village, someone you could talk to."
Prizes: Head's girl's prize: Catherine Stace, Year 13; Head boy's prize: Jack Edgar, Year 13; Governors' Trophy for outstanding progress: Danica Ashman, Year 10; Outstanding A-Level performance awards: Nicholas Chapman, Roisin Connon, Andrew Hitchings, Jonathan Mealing, Fay Nicholls, Catherine Stace; GCSE performance awards: Lydia Ashworth, Kate Gardiner, Joseph Hitchen, Oliver Skittery, Ben Whiteley.
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