Rhino gives students food for thought

THE captain of Great Britain’s rugby league team proved an inspiration at E-ACT’s Leeds West Academy when he presented students with awards marking their excellent progress.

Jamie Peacock, the Leeds Rhinos player, told students about his own struggles as a shy boy who wore NHS-issue glasses –  who worked hard to overcome insecurities to achieve one of the highest positions in sport.

The Leeds West Academy awards ceremony marked students’ achievements since the new academy opened in September 2009. Among many examples of excellence Mr Peacock presented Shanice Hardy the award for ‘achievement in the face of adversity’ while Sophie Collins received the governors’ award for outstanding achievement. Panashe Mbire received E-ACT’s sponsor award for outstanding achievement.

Leeds West Principal Annette Hall said: “The event was truly inspirational and will now be an annual fixture. One year after opening as an academy we are expecting the best ever exam results this summer and we remain on course to open our new £30 million building in September next year.”