KEVI Gnomes
BT Seen and Heard Award
Congratulations to our KEVI Gnomes!: Victoria Brinley, Daniel Glass, Joseph Saunders, Robbie Pendrich, Kate Charlton, Emma Hare, Callum Kitson, Lizzie Hurst, Lawrence Petts
In 2008, our student-led ‘green-fingered’ group ‘The KEVI Gnomes’ won a BT Seen and Heard Award, beating hundreds of entries from around the world. The KEVI Gnomes were invited to collect their award from Dame Ellen MacArthur at The Houses of Parliament.
The judges, all young people, had more than 100 entries from a range of countries, including the USA, India, Nigeria, Russia, Afghanistan and Ukraine.
The awards, which recognise the achievements of young people who have made a difference to society, were open to international entries for the first time.
Another first was an international judge who took part via a video link from Los Angeles.
The international entries provide a rare insight into the issues that are important to young people around the world. Projects that tackle critical issues including climate change, knife crime, local service provision and eating disorders had also been entered.
Beth Courtier, head of BT’s charity programme, said: “The high level of entries to this year’s Seen & Heard Awards is a testament to the outstanding efforts of so many young people who are championing issues which are important to them.
“Every year the awards showcase some of the best young communicators from around the nation and now, thanks to this year’s international element, around the world.”
Cragside Visit
The KEVI Gnomes, together with green-fingered students from Newminster Middle School, visited Cragside Estate to work with Ian Fletcher, Head of Forestry.
Students were given a tour of the estate, and looked closely at the variety of trees, plants and flowers, as well as learning about wildlife.
Students hoped to use their knowledge to aid them in their preparations for the Royal Forestry Society Awards, after they successfully reached the finals this year.
The King Edward VI School received a certificate of high commendation from the Royal Forestry Society for their innovative ‘KEVI Gnome Project’, the transformation of our old ski-slope in to a new school and community garden.
