Harvard Book Prize for Steyning sixth former

This prestigious prize is awarded to ‘an outstanding student in the penultimate year, who is academically excellent, with exceptional personal qualities, who makes a significant contribution to the school or community’.

The student who best fulfilled this remit following the AS examination results this summer, was Thomas Ranger, who attained 5 A grades at AS in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and History.

The prize was presented by Headteacher, Mr Nick Wergan at the Sixth Form ‘Welcome Assembly’ for students entering their final year of learning.

Nick Wergan said: “It was a real pleasure acknowledging such great student achievement with such an important award – Thomas is a hugely deserving prize winner and we are very proud of his success.”

Sally Randall, Director of Sixth Form College, Steyning Grammar School had this to say about Thomas: “From the onset of his Sixth Form College career we have been impressed by his intellectual ability and approach to independent learning. He is a bright and enthusiastic student who demonstrates a conscientious approach to learning that makes him stand out amongst his peers. He is determined to succeed at the highest level, showing sustained grit and resilience. He is meticulous in his research and reading applying this knowledge to novel situations with skill. Thomas has the admiration and respect of peers and subject staff alike. While in class he is often the catalyst for discussion and debate, sharing his arguments in a well structured and analytical manner. A testament to his time management skills is that he is able to balance a dedicated and focused approach to his academic studies whilst partaking in work experience and extra-curricular activities relevant to his aspiration to read Biochemistry at degree level.”

Only 1,700 of these prestigious awards are made globally each year.

Two further students who are also embarking on their final year in Steyning Sixth Form College were highly commended, Max Binkle and Jamie Luxford who have taken the challenge of A Levels in their stride both gaining 5 A grades at AS in Year 12. Teaching staff are confident that they will be successful in their pursuit of degree courses at the highest level in 2015.

Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form College welcomes applicants as either day or boarding students for September 2015. Open Evenings take place on September 30th and begin with an Information Evening. On October 21st we also have a Subject Information Evening. For further details on these events please visit www.sgs.uk.net

Report and picture contributed by Steyning Grammar School.