EDUCATION is about a lot more than examination results, retiring head teacher Peter Smith told the audience at Manor CE School's annual presentation evening.

Mr Smith, who retires from the York school this Christmas after 37 years in teaching, told pupils: "I hope that your education here is far more than these pieces of paper represent.

"I hope you will take away from Manor School something of the spirit of Christian caring and concern which is the fundamental aim of this school."

The prizes were presented by the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope.

Earlier, Mr Smith said he was delighted at the school's GCSE results this year, which were a new record and were the second highest for a state school in York, with 69 per cent of Year 11 students gaining five passes at Grades A* to C.

He congratulated all students, saying: "Well done, not just to those who achieved A* to C grades, but to those who did their best and obtained grades D,E, F and G."

He said he agreed with government plans to introduce a "value-added" measure to the league tables to measure pupils' progress through schools.

"However, I still feel that performance tables on value-added measures should be treated with caution. What really matters in schools - the education of the whole person - cannot be measured in tables."

He talked about what former pupils had gone on to do since leaving Manor School in the summer and said he was pleased ex-pupils often called in. He also mentioned successes in sport, music and dance.

He thanked teachers and parents for their work and support.

He said: "I still believe that teaching is a vocation. I have just completed 37 years of teaching and I do not know of any job which is more rewarding. We still need to recruit good teachers who want to do their best for the pupils they teach. I hope that some students here will one day become good teachers."

Prizes

The Bishop Sargent Memorial Prize for excellent contribution to the life of the school: Philip Gurrey, Alistair Hammerton, Simon Marks, Peter Mitchell, Joanna Reed, Laura Shimmin.

Jo Farr Memorial Shield for pupils in Year 10 making the most progress: Stacey Parkin and James Barrett.

Chancellor's Prizes for excellent progress in Year 9: Richard Lodge, Ellen Millington, Oliver Smith.

For excellent progress in Year 8: Rachel Bradish, Samantha Jakes, Charlene Telford.

Religious Education Prizes: Year 11 - Stephen Hoole; Year 10 - Philip Lickley; Year 9 - Alice Bean; Year 8 - Elizabeth Martin; Year 7 - Miriam Burr.

English Prizes for excellent progress in Key Stage 3: Geraldine Bilbrough, Lloyd Carlton, Oliver Dykes, Oliver Smith.

For outstanding achievement in Key Stage 3: Alice Bean, Grace Bird, Ellen Millington.

For excellent progress in Key Stage 4: Gavin Barker, Kevin Church, Samantha Sangha, Shay Sangster.

For outstanding achievement in Key Stage 4: Lucy Howard, Katie Rowsell, Simon Marks, Rachel Sharples.

York St John College Prize for outstanding achievement in English: Katie Rowsell.

Modern Languages Prizes, French and German: Alistair Carberry.

French: Laura Cragg, Adele Grice, Emily Potter.

German: Charlotte Richer, Gemma Sanderson, Catherine Wells.

Art Prizes: Joanna Reed, Kevin Church.

Stephen Rhodes Cup for pupil in Year 7 making best progress: Peter Thompson.

Excellent contribution to vocal music: Kathryn Halls.

Most improved musician: Zak Ford.

Kirsty Johnson Memorial Shield for excellent contribution to school music: Tom Durham, Claire Schofield.

Peter Windass Memorial Trophy for Design and Technology: Christopher Bewers.

Barbara Turner Memorial Rose Bowl for Geography Fieldwork: Richard Allman.

Juliette Fife Cup for outdoor pursuits: Gavin Husband, Martin Gall.

Junior Sportsman of the Year: Joshua Binns.

Junior Sportswoman of the Year: Sarah Mallinson.

Sportsman of the Year: Alistair Hammerton.

Sportswoman of the Year: Danielle Alderton.

The Headmaster's Prize for excellent achievement in GCSE: Katie Rowsell.

Updated: 12:21 Friday, November 30, 2001