STUDENTS in Winterbourne were presented with a special engraved plaque by Jack Lopresti MP for an award-winning project.


Jack Lopresti MP visited Winterbourne International Academy (WIA) on Friday, March 20 to tour around the new facilities and present The Speaker’s School Council Award to the sixth form students for their India Community Project.


The WIA sixth form were selected as a runner-up in the 17-19 years category from hundreds of applications through The Speaker’s School Council Awards, which are open to every infant, primary and secondary school in the UK.


The judges congratulated all the students who were involved with the delivery of the India Community Project, which was instigated by 12 sixth form students who held fund-raising events including bake sales, selling authentic indian products, like scarves and jewellery, and the Bristol half-marathon.


Students then to the two schools in Bhubaneswar, India and physically helped build a sensory wall and spent time with the community.


Jack Lopresti MP presented the certificates and a special engraved plaque to head of sixth form Lucy Kirkbright, teacher Keiron Mogford, principal Rob Evans, CEP Beverley Martin and the sixth form students who achieved the award.


The Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt. Hon John Bercow and the Speaker’s School Council Awards team passed on their thanks for taking part in the competition.


Mr Evans said: “We were delighted to receive from Jack Lopresti MP the Speakers Award as recognition of the outstanding work of our sixth former's Indian Community Project.


"The two year fundraising effort by WIA students has made a significant impact on two schools in Bhubaneswar, India.

"Students and staff across the academy helped to raise enough money to build a sensory wall in a blind school in October 2013 and to refurbish classrooms and sleeping areas in a deaf school in October 2014.


"This achievement is recognition of the academy's international ethos."


Any extra support would be most welcome so if you are interested please contact Rob Phillips, Head of Marketing and Communications at rob.phillips@trfa.org.uk.