Nottingham students scoop community work award from school IT partner XMA

May 06, 2011

Students at Nottingham Emmanuel School have scooped an award in recognition of their significant contribution to the community – and fittingly received the good news from a Wilford-based company which is a partner to the school.

XMA already collaborates with the Emmanuel School to provide its IT equipment and support and in an act of serendipity, they were also co-sponsors of the first National Church School Awards.

The awards celebrate the best examples of pupils, staff and parents who have made a difference in local community, environment, fundraising and global initiatives.

The Nottingham Emmanuel Church of England School beat off competition from 106 other entrants to become one of 12 finalists, scooping best Secondary School in the Midlands and East Anglia. The award was presented to the students by XMA’s Commercial & Marketing Director Ash Merchant in a grand final at Westminster Cathedral Hall.  It was hosted by Schools Minister Lord Hill and Blue Peter’s Andy Akinwolere.

XMA’s Ash Merchant said, “It’s wonderful for XMA to sponsor these awards and be able to present an accolade to a school with which we have a strong relationship. We’re proud of the achievements of the students at The Nottingham Emmanuel School and pleased XMA has been a part of their celebrations.”

Headteacher of The Nottingham Emmanuel School, Carol Fearria said, “We are delighted to be the Midlands and East Anglia regional winners of the Church Schools Award 2011. Credit for this achievement has to go to our fantastic students and dedicated staff who have demonstrated what it means to be global citizens with a commitment to serving others. All our events and activities are underpinned by our strong Christian ethos, highlighted by our mission statement ‘Together to learn, to grow, to serve’, which is frequently commented upon by parents and visitors.

“We were particularly pleased to receive the award from XMA, a local company with whom we share a close partnership that originated with their successful bid to become the IT contractor for our new school build. We very much enjoy the strong collaborative links XMA brings to the improvement of teaching and learning through the continued development of our IT services. We look forward to implementing our Church Schools’ Award prize, Mathletics, an innovative on line teaching and learning resource to support the teaching of Mathematics.”