Ormiston Academies Trust has been recognised with a Silver Award for Impact through Partnership in the Pearson National Teaching Awards, for its work to engage young people in their communities through #WeWill.
Selected from thousands of nominees, the award highlights the remarkable impact Ormiston has on shaping the lives of the young people across the academies.
The prestigious award recognises Ormiston’s #WeWill project, which has empowered young people across 93 schools and 272,689 hours of social action activity to support their local communities and make a meaningful difference to the world around them. This includes all 42 Ormiston academies, and many other schools across the country
The individual school initiatives have fostered a culture of inclusivity, built a legacy of social action, and ensured that meaningful opportunities are accessible for all young people regardless of their background or experience.
At Brownhills Ormiston Academy in the West Midlands, #WeWill Sing has built a successful community choir, which brings current students, alumni, and primary school pupils together to share their love of music. The choir now performs on a regular basis, and has worked alongside local brass bands and music professionals to participate in the Big Sing.
Students at Cowes Enterprise College, on the Isle of Wight, have led their #WeWill Recycle project to help break down barriers to textile and school uniform recycling. The Student Clothing Committee worked alongside a local charity shop to create an exclusive ‘Cowes Enterprise College uniform rail’ so parents and carers can donate or buy uniforms, helping students to access preloved uniform without any sense of stigma or embarrassment.
We are so proud to have been recognised by the Pearson National Teaching Awards for #WeWill and Ormiston’s commitment to meaningful social action work.
Tom Rees, CEO Ormiston Academies Trust
Students at Packmoor Ormiston Academy, in Stoke-on-Trent, have used their #WeWill Cook project to build a successful cookery and gardening club, for the enjoyment of all. Utilising their school kitchen garden, the students create delicious meals using home-grown produce, to be shared with parents and the school community. The students are also giving back to the local area through creating food parcels for those experiencing homelessness, which are donated through the Macari Foundation.
Ormiston Forge Academy has also been leading the way with its student-led eco project, which raised awareness of fast fashion and encouraged their peers to buy second-hand to save the planet. The eco team organised fun flash dances to boost visibility, and held ‘Re’Love Events’ where students donated unwanted clothing, and worked alongside a local primary to teach younger generations about the importance of sustainable clothing.
Following the success of Ormiston’s #WeWill social action projects, the trust is now in the running for the coveted Gold Award, which will be announced at an awards ceremony later this year.
The announcement of Ormiston’s Silver Award win comes as celebrities, students and schools across the UK are today paying tribute to all those who work in education by marking National Thank a Teacher Day, which celebrates the whole education community and shines a light on the exceptional impact they have on shaping young lives.
National Thank a Teacher Day and the Pearson National Teaching Awards are run by the Teaching Awards Trust, an independent charity established over 25 years ago to celebrate the transformative impact of education, shining a spotlight on the pivotal roles teachers, support staff, colleges, schools and early years educators play in inspiring young people, every single day.
Tom Rees, Chief Executive, said: “We are so proud to have been recognised by the Pearson National Teaching Awards for #WeWill and Ormiston’s commitment to meaningful social action work. It has been heartwarming to see our students and staff across the trust get involved with so many different projects which have had such a positive effect on their communities.
“Ormiston is a values-led organisation committed to creating the best possible learning opportunities for all young people, empowering them to become responsible citizens who contribute to their communities. We look forward to seeing these projects continue to grow, and to building new initiatives in the future.”
I am thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation – thank you!
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust
Michael Morpurgo, author, former Children’s Laureate, and President of the Teaching Awards Trust, said: “The work and devotion of all of those who play a role in educating young people is phenomenal. Not only do they play a vital role in shaping minds inside the classroom, often they continue to encourage, support, motivate and inspire beyond. That’s why it is important for us to take a moment on this National Thank a Teacher Day to recognise their efforts.
“I am also thrilled to be able to congratulate this year’s Silver Award winners and recognise the amazing contributions and commitment they have shown is shaping the lives of the next generation – thank you!”
Rachel Johnson, CEO of PiXL, sponsor of the Award for Impact through Partnership, said: “Utilising collaboration, networking and partnership is a powerful tool in improving life chances and outcomes for pupils. This year’s Silver Award winners have demonstrated this through their team’s incredible leadership in providing high-quality education, experiences, and support to those in their care, giving their pupils new experiences which would be otherwise inaccessible. Congratulations on this win.”
Sharon Hague, Managing Director of School Assessment & Qualifications at Pearson UK, said: “We’re delighted to recognise this year’s Silver Award winners on their outstanding achievements. The contributions they make and the impact they have on young people’s lives every day is truly exceptional. We’re extremely proud to support the National Teaching Awards and mark the achievements of all of our very worthy winners. Thank you for your continued work and congratulations!”