Local Pupils Recognised for Good Deeds on ‘Treasure Ship’

Published: 01 August, 2012

Education Today Publication Manager Katie Lord (right) at the Randstad event

Twenty-two primary and secondary pupils who have made a difference to the lives of others both in and out of UK classrooms, have been recognised at a unique awards ceremony held in London on Tuesday 24^th July.

Hosted by Randstad Education, the largest provider of supply teachers in the UK, and Education Today magazine, the lunchtime awards took place on the 47 metre Tall Ship Clipper – currently moored in Canary Wharf.

The Clipper, built to resemble a nineteenth-century trading ship with echoes of treasure and pirate ships of old, sails around the world providing work experience for young people. Launched in 2000, the ship was the vision of Randstad’s co-founder, Frits Goldschmeding, and the City of Amsterdam.

Over 70 guests attended including parents and friends of the winners. Guests were treated to tails of voyages across the globe by the Captain of the Clipper, a tour, lunch and of course the awards themselves. Good deeds celebrated from pupils across England included volunteering in Romanian orphanages, an 8 year old school councillor, and the development of an online system to provide a safe environment to report bullying.

Josh Coupe, 14, from Maplesdean Noakes Academy School in Kent, was judged by the panel to be the overall winner thanks to his involvement with The Maidstone Youth Forum where he was instrumental in working with Maidstone Council to set up a café for young people to do homework or undertake training in.

Jenny Rollinson, Operations Director for Randstad Education, stated: “Ofsted reports significant progress in implementing National Curriculum Citizenship in schools. However it highlighted the very real difficulty of promoting participation and responsible action. With this in mind Randstad Education are proud to have organised the ‘Good To Know You Awards’ on our very own treasure ship as practical way of involving the whole school in a community activity which promotes good citizenship. We were delighted and thrilled to be able to recognise all those pupils who strive to make life in and out of school better for others.”

Katie Lord, Publication Manager for Education Today said: “Education Today was proud to have been able to support the Get to Know You Awards 2012. It was truly uplifting to hear the stories behind the winning entries.

“Along with Randstad Education, we are keen to promote participation and responsible action within schools. We hope that this will inspire other key decision makers in the education sector to recognise and encourage good citizenship amongst students in their own schools.

“We offer our congratulations to all those who received awards at the event and encourage these young people to keep up the good work!”