Harvard Book Prize awarded to Steyning Grammar pupil

This is awarded to ‘an outstanding student in the penultimate year, who is academically excellent, with exceptional personal qualities, who makes a significant contribution to school or community’.

The prize was presented by the Steyning Grammar School Headteacher, Mr Wergan at the ‘Welcome Assembly’ for students entering their final year of learning.

Nick Wergan said: “It was a real pleasure presenting such a prestigious award to such a fantastic student – Ben is a great ambassador for Steyning Grammar School.”

Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form College is one of the 100 institutions selected by the Harvard Club of London as a recipient of the annual Harvard Book Prize and only 2000 of these prestigious awards are made globally each year.

Ben O’Brien this year’s recipient fulfilled the remit of the prize following AS examinations this summer where he attained 5 A grades at AS level in Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics. From the onset of his Sixth Form College career we have been impressed by his intellectual ability, calmness and approach to independent learning. Benjamin is a very able and personable student, being able to look at the larger picture to aid his own understanding, as well as pose and respond to probing questions. He carries out extended and multi layered investigations without guidance across the range of topics.

Ben is an extremely competent scientist; he is bright and enthusiastic demonstrating a conscientious approach to learning. He is determined to succeed at the highest level, showing sustained grit and resilience. Meticulous in his research and reading he is able to apply this knowledge to novel situations with skill. Ben has the admiration and respect of peers and subject staff alike. While in class he is often the catalyst for discussion and debate, sharing his arguments in a well structured and analytical manner. A testament to his time management skills is that he is able to balance a dedicated and focused approach to his academic studies whilst partaking in work experience and extra-curricular activities relevant to his aspiration to read Physics at degree level at Keeble College, Oxford.

Atticus Albright, Matthew Cheung, Rosie Dommett, Mattias Mehmed, Mark Nader and India Nathan were also highly commended having attained 4 A grades at AS Level. We are confident that they will be successful in their pursuit of degree courses at the highest level in 2016.

Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form College is now welcoming applicants as either ‘Day or Boarding’ students for September 2016. The Sixth Form College Open Evenings take place on September 29th with our Information Evening and October 20th with our Subject Information Evening, both events run from 6pm onwards. We advise all prospective students to attend both events. For further details on the school, prospectus or Course Directory please visit www.sgs.uk.net.

Report and picture contributed by Steyning Grammar School.