Catford High School pupil, Dorota Bienkowska, is celebrating after being recognised for her talents at the third annual London Student Awards, held at the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden on 7 July.
The London Student Awards, run in association with BBC London, celebrate and reward the capital’s next generation of writers, scientists, artists and musicians. The competition was open to all students across the capital in Years 9 and 10 and covered six categories – Art & Design, Music, Drama, Creative Writing, ICT and Science.
Pupils were congratulated by Minister for London Schools, Andrew Adonis, BBC London presenter Philip Lavelle and actress Roxanne McKee from Hollyoaks.
This year’s awards followed the theme ‘Show us what you’ve got’ and in the Art and Design category, fourteen year-old Dorota was awarded runner-up. Art and Design applicants were asked to design a poster that demonstrated the spirit of their school. Dorota submitted a colourful poster representing the skills and achievements of both herself and her school.
Dorota said: “My school is an inspiration for me and helps me to structure what I want to do in later life."
“Through my poster, I wanted to demonstrate how much scope we have to be active and learn new skills. I’m delighted to be awarded runner up in the Art and Design category.”
The competition, which forms part of the Department for Children, Schools and Families’ “London’s Schools Celebrating Achievement” campaign, aims to highlight the progress made by London schools. Almost one in three London schools achieved outstanding results of 70% or above 5 A* to C in 2007.
Winners of the London Student Awards will go on to receive ‘money can’t buy’ prizes donated by sponsors. These include: a day shadowing a top author courtesy of Random House Children's Books for the Creative Writing winner; for the Music winner, a recording session with a top producer courtesy of Dizzee Rascal’s record label, Dirtee Stank Recordings; a behind the scenes tour at Shakespeare's Globe in conjunction with Cambridge University Press for the Drama winner; and Outward Bound experience courtesy of npower and other bespoke experiences provided by Clear Channel Outdoor and ID Interactive, an International web, mobile & multimedia company.
Minister for London Schools, Andrew Adonis, said: "Congratulations to all the successful entrants this year. The high quality and imaginative entries are terrific examples of the talent and endeavour that exists within London’s state schools and I wish the students every success for the future.”