 |
|
Diana Award winners dressing down to support Comic Relief
|
Earlier this month, deaf students from Jack Hunt School, who are also PDDCS youth members, received the Diana Active Campaigner award at Barclays Corporate in Canary Wharf, London.
The group of eight young
people have overcome the challenges they face as a result of their hearing loss
and have raised the profile of deaf awareness throughout the school and in the
local community. They have actively supported many national campaigns to reach
a wider audience about deaf awareness. The group has helped to remove the stigma
about being deaf by educating teachers and trainee teachers.
A University of East Anglia
course tutor stated that “The session with deaf pupils was absolutely
wonderful, one of the best teaching sessions that I have ever observed.”Jack
Hunt School and Peterborough Sensory Support Services are extermely proud of
that the ‘voice’ of these students is being ‘heard’ and recognised by the Diana
Award. To quote Mr Barwise, Assistant Head Teacher Jack Hunt School “I am
immensely proud of our students and their hard work and dedication in raising
the profile of deaf awareness amongst future generations of teachers and
teacher training providers. The effect of what they are doing will impact upon
students and classrooms now and for many years to come”.
Supported by a specialist teaching assistant team and Lead Teacher of the Deaf, these deaf young people undertake many different projects. With the 'teaching the teachers' project the
grassroots level intervention of the efforts of these young students is proving to be an
inspiration to many. “The way that these very young learners interacted with
us, their warmth, enthusiasm and levels of engagement were a real pleasure to
witness. Our experiences with them have fed directly into our continued work on
special educational needs when back in the Faculty. Moreover the experience
with the deaf and HI students had a profound effect on the trainee languages
teachers”. Linda Fisher, Lecturer in Language Education, Faculty of Education,
University of Cambridge.
TV Presenter and Business Expert
Kate Hardcastle presented The Jack Hunt Deaf Student Group with the award. 65
young people from across the UK were presented with the Diana Award at the
national award ceremony,
Tessy Ojo Executive Director of
the Diana Award said: “The Diana Award is proud to recognise young campaigners,
like The Jack Hunt Deaf Student Group, who have
the confidence and courage to raise the profile of deaf awareness. We know that
with the Diana Award, young people will inspire others to make a positive
difference. With a growing network of 39,000 Award Holders, we are building a
force of young people who are committed to take social action and improve our
communities.”
The Diana Award was established
in 1999 as a lasting legacy to Diana, Princess of Wales’ belief that young
people have the power to change the world. The award is presented to young
people – from all circumstances and sections of society - who are committed to
taking social action, whether they work as volunteers, fundraisers, campaigners
or carers or anyone who improves their community.
The award celebrates the amazing
achievements of inspirational young people, who defy expectation and challenge
the negative stereotypes that are so often applied to them.
Award
Holders are encouraged to continue building a better society for us all and the
Diana Network gives them the support and skills needed to achieve their full
potential. I am sure these young individuals will utilise the network of
support now available to inspire other young people to make a positive difference.
For Katie
Bocking, aged 17, “The ceremony was really inspirational, emotional and encouraging.
It was full of people with different backgrounds and reasons for winning their
awards. Receiving my award is something that I will add to my CV or personal
statement, it is also something that I can look back at and be proud of. I
received my award for my active campaigning work raising the profile of deaf
awareness in many ways.”
The Diana Award has five categories for individuals and groups
of young people aged between nine and 18.
·
Diana Anti-
Bullying Award Champion for young
people who tackle bullying in their schools and communities
·
Diana Active
Campaigner for young
people who run campaigns in the schools and communities.
·
Diana
Champion Fundraiser for young
people who raise money for good causes.
·
Diana
Champion Volunteer for young
people who give up their time to improve the lives of others.
·
Diana
Courageous Citizen* for a young
person whose courageous approach to life has made a positive impact of the
lives of others. *individuals only.
 |
| The two past Diana Award winners were excellent presenters |
 |
| The Risk from X Factor 2011 performed three songs at the event. |
 |
| Another inspirational young person who spoke of how the Diana Award has shaped his life |
A University of East Anglia
course tutor stated that “The session with deaf pupils was absolutely
wonderful, one of the best teaching sessions that I have ever observed.”Jack
Hunt School and Peterborough Sensory Support Services are extermely proud of
that the ‘voice’ of these students is being ‘heard’ and recognised by the Diana
Award. To quote Mr Barwise, Assistant Head Teacher Jack Hunt School “I am
immensely proud of our students and their hard work and dedication in raising
the profile of deaf awareness amongst future generations of teachers and
teacher training providers. The effect of what they are doing will impact upon
students and classrooms now and for many years to come”.
A growing number of young people have been involved with the local Music and the Deaf sessions since it started in Peterborough 18 months ago. New members, of any skill level, are always welcomed.
