MORE than 700 children and young people from over 40 Oasis academies across the UK met at an awards ceremony in Birmingham to celebrate outstanding individual achievements.

There were 15 pupils from Oasis Academy Warndon, Worcester, who attended the national ceremony having won prizes for categories such as sports, arts and culture, achievement and contribution to their communities.

Olivia Rooke, who has now left the Academy to move on to secondary school, was awarded the ‘One Oasis’ Award in recognition of her efforts to build relationships with the Academy’s partner school in Uganda.

Her award read: ‘Olivia went above and beyond raising money for Oasis Academy Musoto last year.

She helped to raise money as part of a year group fundraising project, and took part in extra activities to raise money herself.

She is very empathetic, and really thoughtful of others.’

Emily Hobson, principal of Oasis Academy Warndon, said: "Olivia exemplifies what it means to be part of the Oasis family.

"She and all of her classmates last year, embraced the Academy’s partnership with the children at Oasis Academy Musoto in Uganda.

"They loved learning about Uganda, and were shocked that children the same age as them do not have the opportunities to attend school and learn together."

"Olivia then went away and raised money for the Academy which went towards a new classroom for the children there.

"She was a terrific role-model for the younger pupils, and I was glad to hear that she is involved in similar projects at her secondary school."

Rugby World Cup winner and England Star, Matt Dawson, hosted the Oasis Community Learning National Student Awards 2017 at the Birmingham ICC.

The awards celebrate the achievements of Oasis Community Learning’s young people who demonstrate exceptional character or competence, or are making exceptional contributions to their local communities.

The theme of this year’s awards was ‘Generation Celebration’ where pupils of all ages celebrate both their current achievements, and their hopes and aspirations for the future.

Steve Chalke, founder of Oasis, said: "This was a wonderful celebration of what Oasis pupils and students all across the UK are achieving.

"We have heard about some superb accomplishments, young people excelling in the classroom, in sports and serving their local communities."

"All of those who attended the awards today have an achievement to celebrate and I hope that they will remember this day for many years to come.

"Particular congratulations to Olivia who represented her Academy and the wider Warndon community with pride."