15153/1GAZETTE & HERALD: THE Corsham School was brimming with pride on Thursday night as students from all year groups received rewards for hard work and achievement.

The awards evening was described as one of the favourite presentations of the year and governors and parents turned out to see 200 pupils collect trophies and shields.

Headteacher Martin Williams praised the students for their splendid results last year, as 32.5 per cent gained an A grade at GCSE, putting the school seventh in the whole county.

Awards were given for performance the best person in a given subject; and for achievement the person who tried the hardest, exceeded expectations or improved the most.

Deputy head Marcus Chapman said the evening gives the school a public opportunity to say three things. "One, we've noticed you are fantastic," he said.

"Two, a big thank you that is very special and very public and three, we encourage you to go on and build on the base you made last year and to achieve more this year."

Frankie Whittingham, 14, who is in Year 9, opened the prize-giving by singing M People's Search for a Hero.

She won the award for music performance and soon had parents tapping their toes as she began to sing.

"I love music and I love performing," said Frankie who plays the flute and guitar and is teaching herself the clarinet.

Talking about her performance, she said: "I was more nervous then than I have ever been. I've performed before but tonight was more formal."

Head of music, David Day, who taught Frankie last year, said: "She's got a natural talent which hasn't been taught to her. If she got professional teaching on top of that she's quite capable of becoming a successful singer."

Three members of one family, the Gales, all won awards for achievements in sport. Cassie-Anne, Year 9, Conan, Year 10 and Aaron, Year 11, all won awards for achievements in athletics or cross country.

Head of Colerne primary school, Anne Orme, presented the awards.

She compared her own experience at school in 1965 to that of today's educational system.

Mrs Orme, who has been a teacher for 30 years, told how you would get slapped on the knuckles or a ruler across your legs if you got things wrong.

She said: "You're not considered pupils, you're considered learners. It's the skills, not necessarily the knowledge you are acquiring. You're encouraged to be individuals. The big difference is that your learning journey will not end.

"I would imagine the curiosity, skills and qualities you develop here will stand you in good stead and will continue with you throughout your life.

"I find everyone in a school totally inspiring.

"I want to congratulate you on your achievements and compliment you on what you have achieved so far."

Headteacher Mr Williams said on Tuesday: "The certificate evening is primarily an occasion which we trust raises the profile of achievement for students and motivates and encourages them to continue giving of their best.

"It also provides the school with the opportunity to publicly thank teachers, students and their parents in the vital partnership which promotes achievement."

Cassie Gale, 13, said: "We all like doing sports. We enjoy playing football together. Most of our family are sporty. I compete in different races every year with other schools but this is my first prize. It was quite a surprise, I didn't really expect it."

Her brother Aaron, 15, who has won a prize for his athletics achievements every year said: "I enjoy it. I'm working towards GCSE PE at the moment. I train with my dad once or twice a week because he's a runner."

Talking about the family's achievements, he said: "I was quite surprised all three of us got it. I thought it was great."

Ian Batten, 13, won the Civic Society Sonnet Writing Competition for his poem about his nine pet chameleons.

The theme was wild and tame. He said: "I didn't expect I'd win it."

Chairman of the Corsham Civic Society, Peter Tapscott, who attended the Corsham School Awards Evening said: "Competition for the Corsham Civic Society's 2004 Special English Award was especially keen.

The quality just gets better and better. Happily, the winning sonnet was the unanimous choice of our membership and the School's English department."