PUPILS, teachers and parents looked back on a successful year as Verdin High School in Winsford hosted its annual presentation evening on Thursday last week.

The evening began with a welcoming speech from Mr Nick Wilson, chairman of the governors, who thanked the parents, students and special guests for coming to the school.

The evening's special guest was Sir Alastair Goodlad, the Conservative member of parliament for Eddisbury.

After the welcoming speech, headteacher Mr Neil Dyment gave a report on the past school year and congratulated the GCSE and A-Level students on their excellent grades.

Mr Dyment also expressed the school's thanks to Mr Tom Parker, who left Verdin High £2,000 in his will. This money has now been invested in musical instruments for the school.

After a musical interlude from members of the school band, Sir Alastair Goodlad made the presentations of certificates and special prizes to the pupils.

Wayne Dale was this year's high-flier at the school, as he gained five A*s and four As in his GCSEs.

Angela Pope, aged 18, took her A-Levels at Verdin and is now taking a degree course in French at Nottingham Trent University.

She said: "I really enjoyed my time at Verdin and I made the right decision staying on in the sixth form."

Angela received the Lady Rochester Prize along with Rachael Jones for their service to the school, especially in the music department.

The evening was not just a celebration of the pupils' achievements in the examinations this year but also for the recognition of students who have excelled in particular areas of the curriculum.

This year's Guardian prize went to Mitchell Clare. He has an adventurous style and a wide-ranging vocabulary, which is why he received the award this year.

Other prizes were given for attendance - Rebecca Warburton has not had a day off school in her five years at Verdin High!

The Blears Trophy for all-round excellence went to last year's head boy, Wayne Dale.

After the presentations, Sir Alastair Goodlad commented: "The standard at Verdin is at a very high level and I am extremely happy to be here on this special occasion.

"I hope the teachers and pupils will carry on with the impressive progress that they have made."

Mr Dyment said: "We feel honoured that Sir Alastair was our guest and we are grateful to him for giving up his time."

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