This year, we were delighted to introduce new annual Stour Valley Values Awards to recognise students who have truly lived our school values throughout the year.

While academic success is something we are incredibly proud of, we believe that character, resilience and the way we treat others are equally important. These awards celebrate students whose actions have inspired those around them and who have consistently demonstrated the values that make our school community so special.

Nominated by staff, our award winners have shown exceptional ambition, kindness, collaboration and resilience. Whether overcoming personal challenges, supporting others with compassion, leading by example or striving for excellence in their learning, each recipient has made a lasting impact on our school.

We are immensely proud of every student recognised this year. Their achievements remind us that success is measured not only by what we accomplish, but by the difference we make to others.

Congratulations to our inaugural Stour Valley Values Awards recipients. You are outstanding ambassadors for Stour Valley Community School, and we hope your example inspires many others in the years to come.

Be Brave award – Amelia Frost, 8W

During Year 7, Amelia was diagnosed with a brain tumour and spent several months away from school receiving cancer treatment. Although her treatment was successful, she returned with a significant visual impairment that has changed her everyday life.

Coming back to school in Year 8 was incredibly challenging. Amelia had to adapt to vision loss, continue her recovery, attend medical appointments and rebuild her confidence. There were many difficult days, but she never gave up.

Through courage, determination and resilience, Amelia has become increasingly independent, developed strategies to manage her vision and grown in confidence throughout the year.

Amelia's strength, perseverance and positive attitude in overcoming such extraordinary challenges make her a truly deserving recipient of the Be Brave Award. She is an inspiration to us all.

Be Kind award – Amelia Poore, 8W

Amelia has shown extraordinary kindness, compassion and friendship by supporting her friend Amelia Frost throughout an incredibly challenging year.

She arrives at school early to make sure Amelia feels safe and supported, happily spending her social time together—often singing along to the latest Taylor Swift album!

Every day, Amelia helps her friend carry equipment, navigate busy corridors and stairs, and get safely to lessons. She does it all with patience, kindness and a smile.

Amelia’s selflessness, empathy and unwavering support have made a huge difference to her friend’s life. She is an outstanding role model and a wonderful example of how one person's kindness can change someone else's world. Congratulations, Amelia!

Be Ambitious award – Lara Folwell, 10O

Lara is an exceptional student whose hard work, determination and love of learning shine through in everything she does.

In her Year 10 exams, Lara achieved an incredible 5 Grade 9s and 5 Grade 8s—a fantastic reflection of the dedication she shows every single day.

Across all her subjects, Lara gives every opportunity to learn her very best. She asks thoughtful questions, tackles challenging Maths and Physics problems with resilience, goes beyond the curriculum in Computer Science, and produces outstanding work in Graphics with exceptional attention to detail. In Statistics, she works hard to apply her learning to real-life situations and is already challenging herself with ideas from A Level Mathematics. She is also diligent in her revision and always checks her work carefully to deepen her understanding.

What makes Lara truly special is her humility. She quietly sets incredibly high standards for herself, never seeks recognition, and simply lets her hard work speak for itself. She is a wonderful role model, showing that success comes through curiosity, perseverance and determination.

Lara is a truly deserving recipient of the Be Ambitious Award. Congratulations!

Collaborate award – McKayla Beukes, 10D

Mckayla is an outstanding team player who has made a huge difference across our school community.

As Head Student Librarian, she has helped build a strong team by training new librarians, encouraging them when things are challenging, and making sure everyone's ideas are heard. Her leadership has helped make the library and lunchtime clubs a welcoming place for all.

As an active member of Climate Emergency Committee, Mckayla is always eager to get involved. Whether representing Stour Valley at Mock COP, working with volunteers at Clare Community Orchard, or inspiring others to join projects, she leads with enthusiasm, confidence and positivity.

Mckayla's leadership, teamwork and commitment to helping others make her a truly deserving recipient of the Collaborate Award. Congratulations, Mckayla!