Charlie Chesser Award

Background to the award

In July 2020, Charlie Chesser, a pupil at Christ Church School, died after suffering from a brain tumour for two years. He was ten years old.

Throughout those two years Charlie underwent many surgeries and aggressive treatments under the brilliant care of Great Ormond Street Hospital. He accepted this seemingly overwhelming treatment with immense courage, forging close friendships with many of the staff who cared for him.

Whilst we are all incredibly sad that his life – full of promise – was cut so short, we can be glad, too, when we remember his exceptional kindness, how he was always thoughtful towards others, and how caring he was, especially of those who might need a boost or cheering up. We can remember his joy and dedication to his school work, and his many talents. Right until the very last days of his life he was always inspiring to others.

Charlie was never happier than when at Christ Church Primary School, surrounded by the happiness of his friends and teachers. Despite his long, draining, and challenging treatment schedule, he always showed remarkable enthusiasm to re-join the school community as soon as possible after any hospital stay. So it seems most appropriate, then, that Christ Church School be the place where all the positive qualities of Charlie’s personality are permanently memorialised both in a memorial artwork and in an annual award.

To coincide with the installation of a memorial artwork in the playground in July 2021, Christ Church Primary School also inaugurated a living memorial - the Charlie Chesser Award, inspired by his character.

How the award works

Each year, in the Summer term, each class teacher nominates one pupil in their class to receive the award. This pupil should be one who, over the year, has demonstrated the characteristics which Charlie Chesser showed so vividly: care and consideration for others, kind-heartedness, thoughtfulness, support for others’ wellbeing, and willingness to give others a boost, a smile, a friendly word or to include them in their games.

Class teachers write a short citation describing why this pupil is deserving of the award and these citations are read out by teachers and the awards (a certificate, bookmark and badge) are presented by the head teacher in a special whole school assembly.

Pupils can be nominated to receive the award more than once during their time at the school but we also want to celebrate the fact that many of our children demonstrate these characteristics towards their friends and classmates. Pupils who receive the award are encouraged to wear their badge on their uniform throughout the following year as a visible reminder of the positive value of kindness and as an inspiration to others to act in the same way.

2024

Frank, Kenan, Mathilda, Lily, Max, Evi, Rika

2023

Arthur, Orson, Elliot, Santi, Enzo, Theo, Marina

2022

Thea, Takumi, Hartley, Teddy, Scarlett, Jack, Ella

2021

Imogen, Pablo, Bear, Summer, Dastan, Coco, Ethan, Toby