YOUNG SCIENTIST AT IRLAM AND CADISHEAD ACADEMY WINS NATIONAL AWARD

Students and staff at Irlam and Cadishead Academy are celebrating after Year 9 student, Billy Cave, won the Science Award for Years 7-9 at United Learning’s Best in Everyone Awards 2021.

Each year the awards celebrate the impressive achievements of students, staff and teams in schools across United Learning. They recognise a wide range of successes, including exemplary academic performance, dedication to leadership and service, as well as lifetime achievement. 2021 marks the ninth year that the awards have been held and the second year that the presentation has been conducted virtually. 

As part of this year’s online celebration, each winner was announced via a personalised video, shared on United Learning’s Twitter feed to an audience of over 10,000 users. The bespoke videos include a photo of the winner, as well as a recorded message from a member of the senior leadership team at the winner’s school. 

In picking up this award, Billy saw off strong competition from a range of exceptional nominees across the country. In his nomination, Billy is described as having an “excitement and passion for science that is infectious” and an ability to “absorb new concepts like a sponge”. His work is always of the highest quality, and he frequently supplements his learning with his own reading and research. 

Outside of the classroom, Billy participates in a wide array of school clubs and recently completed a challenging university-style project on Marine Invasive Species, run by The Brilliant Club. He is an excellent addition to the school community, with his enthusiasm and excitement for science inspiring his peers and teachers alike. To commemorate his outstanding achievement, Billy received a special glass award. 

Commenting on his success, Billy said:

"I am proud to have received such a positive 'reaction' from my science teacher. I feel ab-cell-utely amazed. It was unexpected, much like spontaneous combustion, but thank you to my teacher for nominating me."

A second student at the academy, Year 9 student Frasier Hunt, was also recognised for his scientific acumen as part of the annual awards. Reaching the shortlist for the Science Award, Frasier saw his hard work and commitment celebrated with a personalised Best in Everyone certificate. 

Speaking of Billy’s win, Toni Holdsworth, Principal at Irlam and Cadishead Academy, said:

“Billy’s attitude to science is truly remarkable. He is always eager to discover new concepts and delve deeper into the subject. He tries his best in every task and the quality of his work is consistently excellent. Billy’s fun approach to science inspires everyone - his classmates and teachers alike! Congratulations Billy on this very well-deserved award!”