The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition is the world’s oldest international writing competition for schools, established in 1883.

With thousands of young people taking part every year, it is an important way to recognise achievement, elevate youth voices and develop key skills through creative writing.

The global spread of COVID-19, saw the lives of many Commonwealth citizens affected. However, through adversity, societies came together and stories of growth, community and hope continue to emerge. This experience formed the basis of the competition’s theme ‘community in the common wealth’.

Lola and Liliah have a passion for writing and submitted their essays to the Royal Common Wealth Society. They, and the Academy were delighted to hear that both students were awarded a very prestigious bronze award, testament to their talent and endeavour.

When discussing the students’ work, Mrs Dewland (Principal) commented, “I’m thrilled to hear that the students’ work has received such accolade. I’m looking forward to reading more of their work in the future”

At the end of last year, North East Lincolnshire council organised a competition for local pupils to design a recycling message to go on the side of a new fleet of bin lorries. Year 8 pupil, Maisie Verity had her work chosen for the project and in July, she received a framed print of her work, plus a mini replica model of a bin lorry sporting her design.

Maisie said “It was a complete surprise to find out the council wanted to use my work for their new lorries. I have seen some of the new designs on the lorries, but haven’t spotted mine on the streets yet, so it is nice to receive the mini replica.”

Maisie Verity with her Art teacher, Mrs Elliott, who saw the competition advertised and invited pupils to take part.

Over the last 5 years, Healing school has submitted 15 teams to the TeenTech awards, however, only one previous team has ever made it through to the final… until this year!

The team made up of Year 7 girls, Ellie -Mai Rayworth, Millie Major and Isobel Downing came up with an innovating concept for the Fashion and Technology category. The team presented their business proposal called ‘Slide-ya- Soles’. The idea being that people are able to slide off the soles of their shoes and replace it with another sole such as a trainer, a high heel or even an ice skate!

The girls began developing their concept back in October and continued to work on the project in their own time over the lockdown period. Unfortunately, the girls were unable to travel to London to deliver their pitch in person this year, but took part in a virtual delivery of their idea, competing against many other pupils from across the country.

Ultimately, the team didn’t win, but they did receive an award for ‘Exceptional teamwork during difficult times.’

The Healing school ‘Slide-ya-Soles’ Year 7 TeenTech team: Ellie-Mai Rayworth, Millie Major and Isobel Downing.

Disruption to their education caused by coronavirus failed to stop Healing School pupils recording outstanding GCSE results.

Teacher-assessed grades saw 62% record a strong basic pass in Maths and English while 85% achieved a standard basic pass in both.

94.7% of Year 11s recorded a standard level 4 pass in English, with 84.7% achieve the strong grade 5 or above.

In Maths, 86.2% reached level 4 with 64.6% achieving grade 5 or higher.

Strong passes were recorded in two sciences by 64% of pupils.

The school’s Attainment 8 figure, the highest in North East Lincolnshire when performance tables were last produced in 2019, increased further this year to 55.8 while its English Baccalaureate average points score rose to 4.97.

Principal Mrs Dewland congratulated all Year 11s on their achievements.

“I’m incredibly proud of this year group,” said Mrs Dewland.

“They have shown great resilience to overcome the challenges they have faced over the past 18 months.

“I’m confident that their teacher-assessed grades reflect robust portfolios of evidence, which were moderated and scrutinised. Students’ dedication and effort during this challenging time were also exemplary.

“It is important that these pupils are not seen as the ‘Coronavirus generation’. Each are talented individuals who can achieve great things.

“We congratulate them on their achievements and wish them all the very best in their future careers.

“I would like to thank parents and carers for the support given to their child, particularly around remote learning. The partnership between home and school has never been so important.

“I would also like to give a special mention to my staff team. It, too, has faced tremendous challenges but has adapted admirably to ensure each pupil has had the best possible education.”