News Beat
Reid Street Primary School wins empathy accolade again
Hot on the heels of performing for VIPs heading to the prestigious Mercury Awards in Newcastle, pupils from Reid Street Primary School, Darlington, have again been awarded the Global Empathy Award.
They received the accolade from award founder and eminent UK educationalist Ed Kirwan, beating million students, aged 5-18, from more than 40 countries for the third time.
Principal Paula Ayto said: “Empathy means the absolute world to us and we embed it into every aspect of our school.
“The pupils love watching Ed’s empathy films which help them understand others.”
Empathy helps the pupils of 27 nationalities who attend the school understand each other’s cultures.
Mr Kirwan told children at a special school assembly: “We get entries from all over the world and we truly give it to the school that deserves it the most.
“Reid Street’s digital booklet featuring pupils’ work and videos is amazing.”
Chair of governors Trevor Alley said: “It is remarkable when you come into school as it just oozes empathy.
“We are all really proud to accept this award for the third time.”
Mr Alley also handed out special awards to the choir, which recently took part in the Mercury Awards in Newcastle, which was won by local boy Sam Fender.
They performed the Sam Fender song People Watching at St James’ Park stadium one day, and the next week sang at Newcastle Railway Station for the VIPs arriving for the prestigious ceremony.
Mrs Ayto said: “Sam sings about things the pupils understand and he taps into us with his empathy.
“He wrote People Watching for a friend and mentor whose hand he held as she died.
“His last comments at the awards ceremony were ‘this is the best area in the country’.
“What a fantastic event for our children to be involved in.”
