For Academic Excellence, first year student Josh Phillips was acknowledged for his outstanding GCSE results attained at Hurworth School. Josh‘s 14 A* grades were an amazing achievement and Josh was named the overall winner of the category, being presented with a cheque and certificate by QE Principal, Tim Fisher. Laura Williams and Jonathan Coulthard were also shortlisted for this award. Laura‘s accolade was for her incredible A Level achievements; she already had 5 A levels before she came to QE in 2008 and will attain another 3 before she leaves in the summer to study at Cambridge University. Jonathan‘s nomination and shortlisting were for his outstanding academic performance in AS Levels and work on an extended physics project; Jonathan has a conditional place at Oxford University for the autumn.

Hannah Russell was shortlisted for the Student of the Year award for her academic achievement and her courage and determination to overcome cerebral palsy. Hannah left QE last year and is now studying at Gloucestershire University. In the category Putting Darlington on the Map, Hannah Marshall’s contribution to volunteering and sport, particularly football, was recognised. Hannah is one of 10 national ambassadors for British Colleges Sport. Also shortlisted in this category was Penny Porter, QE’s Head of German, for promoting international links with Germany, Spain and Russia.

Assistant Principal, Laurence Job, sums up:

"The Best of Darlington Awards honour the unsung heroes of the town and celebrate their achievements. At QE we are delighted that so many of our students were nominated and shortlisted for awards – each has a unique story and we are proud of them all. It was particularly pleasing that Josh Phillips won one of the key prizes."

The Best of Darlington Awards Ceremony was hosted by Darlington College in association with the Darlington Partnership. An audience of 300 people enjoyed the glittering and entertaining ceremony.

Ken Smith, Head of Music at QE explains:

"This competition is an annual event which started in 1985 with the prizes being donated by Mr W W Wolf in memory of Olga Leschinski, his piano teacher in Berlin who was a refugee from communist Russia and who was later murdered by the Nazis. There were 15 competitors this year who performed an extensive variety of pieces on a range of instruments from electric guitar to alto sax and flute. The judges found the standard very high and it was extremely difficult to nominate the prize-winners."

James and Stephanie are both second year students at QE and James won first prize for an original piece he played on his guitar ‘DADGAD Rolling Slap’n’Tap’; Stephanie’s singing of Parade’s ‘You Don’t Know This Man’ won her the second prize.

Ken Smith continues:

"James and Stephanie are extremely talented and versatile musicians. James’ first instrument is the guitar but he can play very much anything and Stephanie, as well as being an excellent singer, is a master of the keyboard and piano."

In addition to devoting a lot of time to their music and studying AS Level Music at QE, James and Stephanie have other demanding academic commitments. James’ A Levels are in Philosophy, English Language and Performance whilst Stephanie is studying A level Biology, Chemistry and Maths. Next year James will go to the University of Central Lancashire to study Creative Music Practice whilst Stephanie will enjoy a gap year doing voluntary work linked to music.

Matthew explains:

“I am fascinated by IT and enjoyed the challenge of setting up this website. I was privileged to be commissioned and am looking forward to updating it and keeping in touch with people like Councillor Tom Nutt who is one of the key individuals involved in the town’s twinning. It will give me valuable experience and will help me to develop skills and put into practice what I learn at College. To visit the website please go to www.darlingtontowntwinning.co.uk“

Matthew is a student at QE studying A Levels in Media, Business, IT and Critical Thinking. He eventually hopes to go to university to read a degree in website design.

“I’m not certain what to expect – it’s a new experience but I am determined to do my best. I’ll be competing in both the singles and team kumite for 16-17 year olds in the under 68 kilos category. I’ve been part of the England squad for almost a year now and in preparation for the competition we have had extra England training sessions.”

Following in her brother’s footsteps, Rebecca first started karate at the age of seven and now, ten years on, she is a black belt. Rebecca continues:

“I train with my coach Fred Bateman two or three times a week and also teach a junior Karate class once a week. England training is on top of this at weekends. It’s very demanding but I love it – really enjoy it!”

Anita Blackburn, Vice Principal at QE, adds:

“Rebecca is remarkable. She is an excellent student with a demanding A Level programme of psychology, biology and PE but is so well organised that she combines her commitment to academic study and her sport with the minimum of effort. We are very proud of her achievements.”

To add to their celebrations, both players recently made their international debuts as England Colleges got their season off to a flying start against a very strong Australian squad at AFC Telford. The Australians have dominated most teams on their ten game tours of China, England & Ireland but the game at Telford ended in a 3-2 victory for the England boys with both Sam and Glenn making significant contributions.

Mark Scott, PE Teacher at QE and Assistant England Coach, said:

“The standard of the squad this year is better than ever so both Sam and Glenn can be proud to be among the best 22 college players in the country. Their achievement is even more impressive as they are both first-year students and therefore two of the youngest players in the squad, which is Under 19. They will now go on to play Home Nations matches against Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as a tournament abroad. I am sure they will do very well.”

Sam says:

“The trials were really demanding and challenging but it was worth it! I’m thrilled and very proud to have been chosen to play for England. It’s a dream come true and I’m determined to do well in the starting line up against Wales on February 14 at Bridgend. I can’t wait to get my England number 10 shirt on!”

PE teacher and rugby coach Wayne Hedley adds:

“Between College rugby and Club rugby at Mowden Park, Sam has consistently developed his game. He has a mature and professional attitude to training and displays excellent qualities as vice captain of the College team. All the sport staff and students at QE are very proud of Sam. We realise the commitment it requires to balance academic studies with a passion for sport and the hard work and sacrifices it can take to excel. Sam has shown this and now has an opportunity to shine at the highest level.”

At QE Sam is studying A Level PE, Business and Leisure. In the autumn he will go on to Leeds Metropolitan University to study Business Management.

Rita Smith, Director of Creative Arts at QE explains:

“The twenty-eight students on this course have selected drawings, paintings, prints, photographs, textiles, graphics and three-dimensional design to represent themselves in this exhibition. It is a showcase of emerging creative talent and the first stage of an exciting journey towards them each achieving their ultimate future ambition of becoming a successful artist or designer.”

During the course the students have the opportunity to explore a variety of specialist pathways and to experiment with a wide range of different materials and processes. This gives them a range of options and new challenges which help them to decide what area to specialise in at university.

Strong drawing skills are an essential skill that enables them to visualise and develop their ideas. All produce individual outcomes for taster projects in fine art, textiles, fashion design, graphics & illustration, photography, three dimensional and spatial design. These experiences help them to build up exciting and very personal portfolios for degree interviews.

All are invited to view their work.