Pupils from a South Derbyshire school celebrated a year of achievement at their annual prize giving event.
Pingle Academy prize winners attended the event to celebrate their academic achievements. The pupils from Years 7 to 10 were chosen by their teachers because of their commitment to learning and academic success.
Principal at the Swadlincote school in Coronation Street, Vivien Sharples told the pupils: "This is about celebrating achievement and having a look at what the future might hold for you. We celebrate academic achievement across the school and I hope you realise how well you have done to have been invited here this evening. You might be the first in your family to go to university then so be it.
"You can pave the way for your younger siblings and encourage them to follow in your footsteps."
Prizes were awarded to pupils in each year group who have succeeded in their studies this year. The pupils also voted for the pupils’ pupil of the year. This award gives the youngsters an opportunity to show their appreciation of each other for the work done in school.
Mrs Sharples also introduced special guest Professor Matt Jarvis, former pupil and current lecturer in astrophysics at the University of Oxford.
Professor Jarvis said of the event: "It is always good to be back at Pingle. I have lived away from the area for more than 20 years but this is still home and I have more in common with the pupils at Pingle than anywhere else. Anyway I can help them see what opportunities they have open to them, then I will."
Mrs Sharples also awarded her principal's special recognition prize to two pupils, brother and sister, William and Molly Boultbee, in Year 7 and 10 respectively.
Mrs Sharples said: "I usually spend a long time deliberating about this award but not this year. I knew who was going to get this award even before I started thinking about it. Both William and Molly are totally committed to school life and learning and yet give unstintingly of their time to help others. They are thoughtful, caring and proactive."
