With the first half-term of the academic year behind us, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try and spread some positivity by celebrating some of the ESPFA student’s success so far this year
Mark Baker, Head of Education for the ESPFA has been so happy with the way the students have conducted themselves this first half term and was delighted that students would be getting recognised for their hard work. He said: “I am very pleased to announce the winners of our ‘Student of the half term’ awards, for the opening half term of the academic year.
This year has thrown up many challenges in relation to completion of coursework, in many cases taking the form of a hybrid model (face to face and online learning).”
He went on to say: “The very best students have met the differentiation head on, engaging throughout and displayed the motivation and commitment to achieve the very best grades their knowledge will afford them. I am delighted to be able to recognise these individuals today and press home the message for all students to strive to be the best they can be in the coming months.”
Regional manager for the north, Sam Shaw has been impressed with the way his students have reacted to some of the challenges they have faced this academic year. He said: “Obviously we're living in unprecedented times at the moment and the reaction from students and staff has been absolutely first class. It's been really pleasing to see our students overcome every obstacle that has been thrown at them with impressive endeavour and commitment.”
He believes the students should be pleased with the way they have carried themselves in such strange times. “Working under new restrictions and often via different teaching methods, students have adapted well and are performing even better than expected. I'm sure once we come out the other side of this pandemic, they will be able to reflect back on their efforts during these uncertain times with pride, and ultimately as more flexible and resilient people.”
BRIGHOUSE TOWN – ELLIOT HAIGH
Congratulations to Brighouse Town student Elliot Haigh who has been nominated as the student of the half term by his tutor, Isaac Baldwin, who has been impressed with his willingness to help others and brilliant attendance. He said: “My nomination for student of the half term is Elliot Haigh. He has had maximum attendance and punctuality to both training and education and shown Top behaviour in the classroom, looking to get the top grades and always offering help and assistance to both tutor and coach”.
MOSSLEY – LEANARDO NEVES
Leanardo Neves was given the award of student of the half term for Mossley. His tutor, Wayne Shingler has been impressed with the grades he has achieved so far this year and his leadership qualities in the classroom and on the football pitch. He said: “Leonardo is a highly respectful and trustworthy student, who is always willing to go the extra mile. In Unit 5 he had been awarded a merit but was still willing to adapt his answer and put more work in to try and achieve distinction. His attendance and punctuality are very good, and he always approaches lessons and training in a positive, can do, way. Leonardo is respected by other students as a leader on and off the field and as a result he has been a great example in BTEC and in training.”
OSSETT UNITED – JACK HEPWORTH
Well done to Ossett United first year student Jack Hepworth who has been named as the student of the half term for his club by his tutor. The Ossett United tutor, James Piercey has nominated Jack for this award based on his exemplary behaviour in lessons and showing excellent attitude and brilliant enthusiasm shown in lessons. He said: “My student of this term is Jack Hepworth. Since he is only a 1st year, Jack's enthusiasm and motivation to learn is outstanding. His attendance levels and punctuality is exemplary and within the classroom he is a real joy to teach as he is always highly engaged within lessons and is always asking questions about content being taught. Jack has also been attending extra lessons during this half term in order to complete extra work which again shows a fantastic attitude from Jack.”
RADCLIFFE – JOEY OLDHAM
Radcliffe student Joey Oldham has been put forward by his tutor for the student of the half term award. The goalkeeper has shone in the classroom so far this year and his tutor, Nigel Gleghorn believes he is a popular member of the squad but doesn’t let this effect his studies. Nigel said: “Joey has this term shown himself to be a mature student. He displays respect to staff and peers alike. His attendance and punctuality are excellent. He is able to remain on task and will ask questions as and when required. He has shown that he is able to be popular with his peers but remain focused on what is required from him”.
RUNCORN LINNETS – JAMIE WHITTAKER
Congratulations to Runcorn Linnets student Jamie Whittaker who has been put forward for this award by his tutor, Andrew Tower. Andrew has been delighted with Jamies contribution in lessons and with his standard of work. He said: “Jamie, this term, has been outstanding both in the classroom and on the pitch. His attendance record has been exemplary as has his input into group discussions and overall standard of work produced. In training, Jamie leads from the front and displays not only good skills sets technically but always gives 100%”.
SKELMERSDALE UNITED – JOSH NIBLOCK
Skelmersdale United student Josh Niblock has been awarded the student of the half term by his tutor, Shadab Iftikhar. Shadab is full of praise for Josh and thought he wouldn’t be able to improve on his fantastic academic year last year. Shadab said: “Josh has been a fantastic student. It was almost impossible to improve on last year however Josh has shown
a completely different level. His intensity, concentration, focus and quality of work is unbelievable. His consistency each day is remarkable. I have yet to witness such a dedicated student.”
Lewis Gibson – Witton Albion
Congratulations to Witton Albion student Lewis Gibson who has been named his clubs student of the half term. His tutor, Laura Moss has complemented his brilliant work ethic in his first half term. She said: “Lewis has worked extremely hard during lessons which has paid off through his assignment grades. His attendance and punctuality are both excellent and his effort in training is always 100%. He has unselfishly taken up the position
of right-back in order to allow the two goalkeepers ahead of him to play and is now enjoying learning a new position. Excellent attitude and great start to the course.”
Well done to all the students nominated for their award. It is great to see just how well the students have coped with the challenges that have presented themselves at the start of this academic year so well done from everyone at the ESPFA.