’We want to develop amazing human beings,’ Ballakermeen High School’s head teacher told the audience at the annual prize-giving.

The event saw hundreds of the school’s students take up seats in the Villa Marina with this year’s ceremony, with guests including Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas.

Alex Downie OBE acted as chairman of governors and opened the proceedings ahead of head teacher Adrienne Burnett, now in her 40th year of teaching, who congratulated prizewinners on their success.

Mrs Burnett pointed to another year of excellent examination results, particularly A Level results which were said to have been ’record breaking’ and commended the ’very strong’ GCSE results achieved in the last academic year.

’However, in Ballakermeen’s vision statement - a public declaration of our purpose, qualifications are not the first thing we mention,’ she said.

’We want to develop amazing human beings. Kindness, understanding, respect, a good work ethic and creativity are some of the values we hold dear.’

She listed having a ’strong sense of self-worth, respect for others, an awareness of the world, the positive contribution you can make, and the skills, attitudes and qualifications to succeed in life’ as particular traits the school wants to build upon.

’We cannot protect you from disappointment, heartache and bad luck, but we can help to prepare you for whatever life throws at you. We will have succeeded if you are confident and happy and enjoying your life,’ she said.

And she quoted American chat show host, Oprah Winfrey, saying: ’The big secret in life is there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you’re willing to work’.

Mrs Burnett head added that to help students have an awareness of the world, the school raises thousands of pounds for charities through sponsored events such as the Memorial Walk and each of the school’s houses sponsors the education of a child in another country.

She thanked teachers and support staff for their efforts and paid tribute to Paul Kane who has retired after working as an English and drama teacher before becoming an assistant head.