Awards for Bridge students – Two inspirational pupils from Bridge Academy took the stage at a prestigious ceremony to be recognised for their impressive achievements.
Bridge students Oscar Brennan and Ethan Betts joined young people from across the UK at the Joshua Ribera Achievement Awards on Saturday February 3rd at The Birmingham Conference and Events Centre.
The awards were set up in memory of Joshua Ribera by his mom Alison Cope and celebrate the achievements of young people from alternative education provisions.
As a young man Joshua – who stabbed to death in September 2013 at the age of 18 years old – was excluded from mainstream school but with support, guidance and love achieved great success in music.
Since his tragic death Alison has spoken to more than 60,000 young people in alternative education.
Oscar, who is in Year 11 at the Bridge, won in the Academic Achievement Category while Ethan (Year 10) won the award for Personal Progression.
Elliot Payne, Assistant Headteacher, said: “The staff at The Bridge couldn’t be more proud of Oscar, Ethan and all the students awarded at the event.
“Both students have consistently embodied our values and are a true reflection of the achievements of young people in Alternative Provision.”
The award winners were joined on the night by Ethan’s mom and Oscar’s mom and partner as well as proud staff members Mr Payne, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator Emma Wakefield, Behaviour Lead Matt Lloyd and KS3 Teacher Cheryl Lloyd.
The Bridge Academy, which is part of the respected Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, is an all through 5-16 Short Stay School, based on two sites in Lichfield and Rugeley, which caters for up to 15 Primary and 50 Secondary students. Its students have either been permanently excluded from their mainstream schools or join Bridge on short term, preventative placements.