A small primary school near Northallerton with less than two dozen children has beaten the odds, and some famous competition, to win a national award.
Kirkby Fleetham CE Primary School won the the People’s Choice Award (Under £10,000 turnover category) in the internationally-recognised Smiley Charity Film Awards.
The Friends of the School entered the award after Kirsti-Anna Hume, the school’s deputy head and a budding song writer, wrote the song called Watch Us Grow to tell the school’s story, and made a film with her class to accompany it.
Performed by the school’s children and Rob Yeadon, former drummer for the band James, the song is inspired by the so-called play tree on the village green– which the song says is a symbol of the life, love, laughter and learning at the school.
Smiley Charity Film Awards is the world’s biggest campaign to promote cause-based films. Since its creation, more than 2,500 causes have benefitted – gaining exposure, donations and volunteers.
The awards, powered by community interest company and platform for change, Smiley Movement, are recognised by both BFI and IMDb.
As finalists, The Friends of the School were invited to a red-carpet award ceremony hosted by Tom Allen in Leicester Square, alongside some famous faces and celebrities.
Kirsti-Anna said: “We couldn’t believe we had made the final, but to actually win the award in our category at such a high-profile event in London was incredible.
“We were sat back just enjoying the evening because we thought we couldn’t possibly win, so when our name was called, we were in shock and had to be hurried to the stage.
“It was an incredible moment, and we are so proud of our school and everyone involved. All the pupils, parents and members of the village were watching the live stream from home.
“It really brought the community together and demonstrated the creative power of song, and the educational value of small rural schools.”
The school has received an outpouring of support from its local community during its campaign to raise votes and has featured on BBC Radio Yorkshire and The Chris Evans Breakfast Show on Virgin Radio.
Kirsti-Anna added: “We can’t thank our community and those who chose to support us enough. This will make such a difference to our school, not least of all demonstrating to our pupils that everyone has the power to effect positive change. As the words of the song say, we’re all destined for greatness, although we’re starting small!”
Damian Chubb, CEO of the Dales Academies Trust, of which the school is part, added: “Kirkby Fleetham may be a small school, but it has huge ambition for all of its children. This win really shows that anything is possible if you dream big enough.”
You can listen to the song and watch the winning entry here: https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/videos/friends-of-kirkby-fleetham-ce-primary-school-watch-us-grow
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