STEPHEN LAWRENCE EDUCATION STANDARD AWARD CEREMONY 2010!

I moved on to the Stephen Lawrence Education Standard Award Ceremony 2010 at Space@Hillcrest...

The programme provided an opportunity to celebrate ten years of activities promoting race equality and community cohesion with the Stephen Lawrence Education Standard Partnership working with Education Leeds to change the landscape and build trust, respect, tolerance and understanding. The morning started with a performance by the 'New World Symphony Steel Orchestra' and was followed by the Official Opening by the Deputy Lord Mayor. The children from Little London Primary School then sang brilliantly for everyone and their passion, enthusiasm and sheer joy was wonderful. This was followed by Louise Crumbie who Chairs the Stephen Lawrence Education Standard Partnership who talked about the history of the award ceremony. Students from Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School then delivered a powerful performance which they had prepared as part of their work for Black History Month highlighting the contributions of significant black leaders and champions. My colleague Rehana Minhas then reviewed the last ten years and what we have achieved together before introducing our guest speaker His Excellency Dr James Williams, the High Commissioner for St Kitts and Nevis. We were then treated to a fantastic poetry performance by students from Ralph Thoresby High School, whose passion, delivery and energy was incredible.We also had an incredible performance by children from Wigton Moor Primary School. And finally before lunch we had an amazing performance by children from  Hillcrest  Primary School whose fabulous singing made everyone in the audience smile. It was wonderful that the Stephen Lawrence Education Standard Partnership had decided to award me one of their community awards for my leadership and championing of the work we have been doing on equality, diversity and community cohesion. I was in great company because the other award winners were Louise Crombie, Sheila Howarth and Rehana Minhas.


After lunch the programme included performances by students from the Otley Prince Henry's Grammar School, Broomfield SILC, St Mary's Catholic Primary School in Horsforth, Benton Park High School, Rawdon St Peter's CE Primary School and Pudsey Southroyd Primary School. 

Together we have achieved so much over the last ten great years. We have transformed the culture and the expectations we all have of our children and young people. Where in the past people simply saw problems and challenges now so many more of us see potential and magic. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work that made this event such a brilliant success.
Chris