Fighting off stiff competition from primary and secondary schools from both state and private sectors Deighton Primary from Tredegar managed to secure the trophy for 2017. They were the only Welsh school to win an award at the event which is quite an achievement.
The awards are an annual UK wide celebration event run by the Education Business organisation which supports work where schools align their pupils’ work with employers and outside providers. Deighton’s “Overdrive” project has led them to work with the Circuit of Wales and Cardiff Met University where pupils worked with their animation and education departments to produce their own computer game based on driving. They have also worked with “Value Added” to produce an app around their electric kit car, “Blue Flash”, which they have developed, built and raced with help from Ron Skinners.
Head teacher, Mike Gough, said,
“I am immensely proud of this accolade which recognises the work that our staff and our pupils have put in this year to make our curriculum relevant, exciting and challenging. We are doing our best to make sure we are preparing our children for a successful future. Our partners at Cardiff Met University and the Circuit of Wales and the wonderful support we have had from Ron Skinners have made this year a special one. Ms Kaya and Mrs Wangiel also deserve every credit for taking forward the “Overdrive” project and making sure our learners have every opportunity to have the best life chances they can through their education.”
The award was presented by Stephen Drew of “Educating Essex” fame and was held at the Grange St Hotel, St Pauls, London.