Keswick School’s 42nd annual prize giving and presentation night was once again a celebration of the talent, determination and perseverance of its young people.
The guest speaker for the evening was former student Matthew Suddart who left the school in 2018. He works as a campaign organiser as part of the Labour North team and is passionate about good policy making which helps to end inequality.
Before attending university, he was a local councillor for two years, representing the community he grew up in. It was this experience of working directly with residents and volunteers that showed both the positive and negative outcomes that policy making can have on an individual’s life.
Matthew studied politics at The University of Manchester followed by working at Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). At GMCA, he was involved in supporting the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham’s craft youth unemployment policies for some of the most disadvantaged young people in Greater Manchester.
Outside of work, Matthew is a trustee at Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF), a charity which is very close to his heart where he supports staff members in delivering for the PF community.
More than 170 prizes and cups were presented to current students and last year’s leavers, in front of proud parents and relatives, directors, friends of the school and the Mayor of Mayoress of Keswick, Cllr Steve and Jane Harwood.
In his speech headteacher Simon Jackson said that nothing much worthwhile comes easily in life and school prizes highlight individual effort and achievement.
“In winning a prize you’ve gone the extra mile, made sacrifices, taken risks and faced the prospect of failure!” he said. “Well done – there aren’t many successful people around the world who haven’t tasted failure at some stage.”
He pointed out that the school’s A-level results were once again “excellent”.
“Despite the ridiculous situation of England, Wales and Northern Ireland all awarding grades in different ways, virtually every student secured entry onto the university or apprenticeship course of their choice,” he said.
He said that the school was proud of its sixth form students who join from across Cumbria, settle quickly, form good friendships and are great role models.
Mr Jackson said that Year 11 also reaped the rewards of their labour.
“The Government insist on comparing this year to 2019, which is complete nonsense as they are an entirely different cohort of students who have been through a pandemic,” he said. “Therefore, it is even more impressive that almost 75 per cent of the students this year achieved a grade 5 in both English and maths. This represents a 14 per cent increase in maths compared to 2019 which bucks the national trend.”
He said the school continues to thrive in other areas like science and languages.
“Pupils of all abilities made outstanding progress and there were lots of happy faces on results day!” he said.
“I’d like to thank the senior leadership, pastoral, student support and learning support teams.
“They provide tailored support and intervention that helps every student achieve their potential. It’s no surprise that there is a close link between excellent pastoral care, early intervention and academic success.”
He also thanked last year’s head boy, Cameron Wear, head girl, Ella Horne, the senior prefect team and all the prefects for “their magnificent contribution to our school community”.
Mr Jackson said that on the sports field teams from the school continue to enjoy great success and in the summer The Addams Family was presented as the school musical. He added that there had been success in national and local music festivals, competitions, instrumental and singing exams.
Ensembles, choirs and bands perform regularly and Mr Jackson said the school was grateful for the support from the Rotary Club of Keswick and Keswick Music Society.
“People often ask what makes Keswick School such a special place?” said Mr Jackson. “The answer is twofold: a strong school community, centred on care and support, as well as a healthy dose of friendly competition between students, and the commitment of a dedicated team of specialist staff.”
