The end of another school year is upon us, and I was honoured to speak at Becket Keys School Awards Evening last week, and to award the many prizes for attainment, progress and excellent work throughout the year.
Becket Keys is the newest school in Brentwood having been established in 2012 but has established itself as a strong provider of education to the hundreds of students who have attended in the last eleven years. This was very clear at the Awards Evening, as children from Years 7,8,9 and 10 processed to the stage to be awarded certificates recognising their outstanding work.
Each award was accompanied by a small band of staff and pupils doing their very best Oscars-style musical interlude, with another sixth former playing the piano flawlessly as guests arrived and departed the ceremony.
I especially enjoyed the preview of the show the students are putting on this term – performing ‘Stick it To The Man’ from the School of Rock in front of parents, staff and invited guests was a bold move, but the performers has gusto and enthusiasm and I have no doubt they will Stick It To The Audience in show week.
The four year groups receiving awards last week have had the last four years of education drastically impacted by the pandemic, so it was delightful to see them all looking so proud and happy they have been recognised for their work.
I know those who have taken public exams this year will have a summer of nail-biting before the results in August before the next step in their education or employment, so I wish them well.
It is always good to visit schools in Brentwood and Ongar, which are bouncing back after the pandemic. My congratulations to them for completing the first full year without major Covid disruptions, and for providing so many extra curricular opportunities for our local youngsters. There are great days ahead for these young people and I have no doubt they will have a wonderful summer and bound back to school filled with enthusiasm to learn in September.
