Jack Petchey Winners (September - November 2023)

September 2023 – Zara Farooqi

Zara has been nominated for the Jack Petchey award by the Business Department for 2 consecutive years now. She is currently studying the L3 Extended Diploma in Business at St Charles with Maths, having progressed internally from Level 2 Business where she secured the very high grade of D*D in summer 2023.

Having moved to the UK from Pakistan in 2021 with very little English, she worked tirelessly to acquire and develop her language skills to help her with her studies and progress. She is described by Mr Smith, Head of Business Department, as being a wonderful blast of positivity and enthusiasm with an infectious energy that spurs on not only her own learning but also that of her peers. Zara’s passion for learning and for business is exceptional. She is always the first to complete assignments and meet deadlines; she pushes herself hard as she is always determined to get the best grades possible. Ms Sodimu, her business teacher, describes her as a joy to teach and as someone who is dedicated to her studies. She is always well organised and is a superb team player who is always encouraging others if they are falling behind with coursework. She is always the first to step up to assist them to reach their goals. Indeed all of her teachers commend her selfless support of peers and that she is a brilliant role model to them in terms of her attitude, application and work ethos. With 100% attendance and punctuality record, she has clearly demonstrated her reliability and commitment.

In addition Zara has given freely of her time to help out in the college community. Mr Amin in Maths stated that Zara is always welcoming as an ambassador at college open events in his Department, where she represents the college admirably. She is described as exceptionally respectful to staff, visitors and peers, always greeting everyone with a genuine smile! Ms Ahmadian, our marketing manager echoes this stating that Zara has demonstrated a real drive to contribute wholeheartedly to the community by volunteering her time as a student ambassador at a moment’s notice. She is friendly, polite and always willing to help staff as well as welcoming students and parents to the college. Mr Gyimah, Zara’s tutor also sings her praises stating it is a pleasure to teach her. His words sum up Zara; she is a conscientious, hardworking and likeable student who has received numerous college achievements for her commitment to her studies and the college community. Zara is clearly well respected by her peers and staff alike. Her selfless behaviour, consideration of others coupled with her charitable spirit made her stand out! It is no surprise  then that she was recently elected as Vice President of the college’s Student Council where we are confident she will do a great job.

Zara chose to donate her funds to the Business Department who are using it to fund a trip for  some of their top performing business students.

October 2023 – Rachelle Ido

Rachelle was nominated by her Politics teachers for the award and this was quickly seconded by her other subject teachers. Rachelle is an A level student at St Charles in her final year studying Politics, Sociology and Criminology.

The Politics Department are real big fans of Rachelle. Ms Gard describes her as a thoroughly determined and motivated student who is an extremely noticeable positive presence in the classroom. Her organisation and commitment in and out of class are exemplary and she is a real inspiration to per peers. 

Mr Lamontagne, her other politics teacher, also cites her hard work, resilience and cheerful demeanour as a real asset to the class, and indeed the college.

Her Sociology and Criminology teachers reiterate her very positive influence in the classroom which coupled with her enthusiasm, dedication and passion for learning make her a joy to teach. Mr Deer states that her work output is going from strength to strength in Sociology and that Rachelle is ambitious about her future.

All of this is particularly significant as Rachelle is achieving in the face of  some very challenging personal circumstances. Despite these challenges, Rachelle’s commitment and dedication to her studies while balancing her outside commitments are testimony to her sheer and utter resilience, selfless approach and determination to succeed in the face of adversity. We are all proud of you Rachelle!

Rochelle has opted to give her award winnings to the Politics Department and they are currently discussing her spending!

November 2023 – Ahmed Galib

Ahmed is a very deserving Jack Petchey award winner. With a consistent 100% attendance and punctuality record throughout his time in sixth form, he is a real role model for his peers. Ahmed is now in his third year at St Charles having progressed internally to L3 Travel & Tourism, a course he truly is passionate about. Ahmed is popular amongst staff and peers with his upbeat, proactive and respectful personality. Academically, Mr Morgan on behalf of the Travel & Tourism Department, states that Ahmed has always approached his work with dedication and determination. He has shown resilience in the face of challenges and always has a kind word to say to teachers and students, brightening up everyone’s day! He has grown in confidence and he is a pleasure to teach and have in the classroom. Ms McHugh who teaches him English says Ahmed is always so polite and considerate of others’ needs and keen to do well.

Ahmed’s positive attitude does not end in the classroom. He has contributed so much to the college community. Ms Fensome one of the college’s pastoral team, says Ahmed is absolutely deserving of this award. He has helped his Hall (Year Group) with numerous fundraising activities and is generally found cheering everyone along and encouraging others to participate in activities! He is also commended by Ms Ahmadian and Ms Campbell for being a fantastic Student Ambassador at our college open events. In addition Ahmed can be regularly found giving freely of his spare time helping out the college site care team with setting up for events etc and he does everything with the same cheerfulness and humility. He truly is a superb example of how our young people contribute to the community.

His reputation also extends beyond the college community. He had a fantastic 2 week work experience at the Space Hub in W10 where Samia his supervisor said of him “Ahmed is wonderful to work with, he is full of energy and shines like a bright light!” In his summer Ahmed volunteered with London Sports Trust who ran a popular summer holiday camp for school children. The RBKC School Games organiser and Sport Development Officer there praised Ahmed’s contribution and commented in particular on how he had conducted himself, his attitude and his work-ethic.  The team at London Sports Trust were so impressed with him that they offered him some paid work. What an absolutely fabulous young person Ahmed is!

Ahmed is opting to split his award winnings with the Travel and Tourism and Learning Support Departments.