This year, the Compass awards have been given a new looks to make the occasion more of a celebration for the children and their parents.

Principal Jo Fallowell said ‘We used to give the awards out in assembly, all the children would be in the hall and we would call the winners out to come up to the front. It was a bit of a squeeze and it didn’t really allow the students to celebrate the award with their parents.

‘Now we only have the children receiving the awards and their parents at the event. We have tables and chairs set up so they can sit together and share the experience. The children welcome their parents and get a drink and biscuit together before being called up to the stage to collect the award. It has created a lovely experience for the children and their parents. It also feels more grown up for them and allows them to have more responsibility.’

Teachers nominate students for the Golden Compass award for demonstrating the Academy values of respect, responsibility, co-operation, resilience and aspiration. The students then receive a Golden Compass badge.

Jo said ‘the awards are a way of acknowledging the children’s hard work and determination to do their best. It is a way to praise their commitment to display the values that define our Academy.

‘As role models for others, we hope they wear their Golden Compass with Pride.’