27 November 2019
Reported by Eleanor Maher, Year 11 student councillor.
“We were greeted by the neon sign designed by Tracey Emin as we stepped out of the magnificent hallways of Liverpool Cathedral. We were then hit with sparkling dresses and black ties; this was, after all, the Educate Awards. Specifically for schools across the North West, the Educate Awards celebrate a wide range of innovative projects within schools. This year, our very first opportunity to attend, we were in the running for two awards, including the Community Partnership Award and the WOW Recognition Award - the biggest award of the night!
The ceremony opened with a medley of The Beatles’ greatest hits, sung by primary school students dressed as John, Paul, George, Ringo and their associates, including a very accurate Yoko Ono. As we moved across the floor and into the cathedral’s main hall, tables adorned with glass candlesticks and multitudes of cutlery made it impossible for us and the hundreds of other guests not to get excited!
As our plates filled up with starters, performances from LIPA College were slotted in between servings of our three-course meal. The lights were dimmed, the candles were lit, and everyone was on the edge of their seats. It was time….
The host travelled through each category, announcing each winner and runner up in turn, and after what seemed like an eternity, our first nominated award was declared. We were placed as finalists. Our second nomination, the WOW Recognition award was soon to be announced. Seated next to Netherton Moss Primary School from Sefton, we were all waiting in anticipation for the final award of the night.
“And the winner of the Educate Awards ‘Wow Recognition Achievement’ 2019 is… CHORLTON HIGH SCHOOL!”
Our table erupted into cheers, with scenes of Mrs Ransome jumping into the air with delight, and chairs being pushed back in the excitement! The journey to the red carpet flowing up to the stage seemed to be the most important walk of our life; the whole night had been leading up to this, and to win the final award felt incredible. We were so pleased to have this opportunity to represent Chorlton High School and receive recognition for our projects across the school community.
Well done to everyone who was involved, and a special thanks to Miss Quinn for putting forward the school in order for us to be included in the short listing process.”
