STUDENTS from Castle Rushen High School have had their achievements celebrated at the school's annual prize giving awards ceremony.

Headteacher Andrew Cole addressed an audience of award winners, parents, teachers, and the Minister for Education and Children Eddie Teare MHK at the ceremony which was held last month.

He said: "The students who will be recognised for their outstanding achievements all exemplify the consequences of their positive actions in a wide range of ways."

200 students were recognised on the night for excelling in a wide variety of activities as well as academically. GCSE and A-Level students were also presented with certificates to mark their achievements.

The prizes were awarded by former head girl Dr Alison Blackman who is now a well respected GP in the south of the Island.

A special prize for individual achievement was presented to Mitch Field for his selfless public service on numerous occasions. Chief Inspector Simon Lowe and Sergeant Rosie Hawes presented him with a trophy and certificate.

Mr Cole, who has been in the headteacher position for a year, spoke about making further improvements at the school. He said: "One focus of my first year has been to listen carefully to our students and staff in order to take considered and effective action through my second year with the intention of securing firm and sustained improvements that put our students in a stronger position to lead happy and successful lives. 

"I wish to take this opportunity to publicly and formally recognise the dedication, hard work and loyalty of our entire workforce for their effective support of our young people. They have endured uncertainty, falling budgets and greater demands on their time and resourcefulness without once wavering from the core purpose of their roles.

"We may all be of unique value with unlimited potential but that does not mean we are all the same.  If we can provide successful learning pathways for each individual through this strategy then we have fulfilled our core purpose."