Incredible Isabella named winner of ISA Maxwell Prize leaving Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls bursting with pride

As we enter the second year of the ISA Maxwell Prize, which honours exceptional Year 6 students, we take this opportunity to celebrate Isabella’s remarkable contributions outside the classroom.

Isabella has blossomed into a shining example of resilience captivating all who have witnessed her journey. Although once feeling lacking in confidence she has welcomed personal growth throwing herself into a variety of extracurricular activities in order to meet like-minded people and develop new skills. With a passion for music, she had her first nerve-racking piano performance at the mere age of five. After discovering the joy of playing music for others her unwavering enthusiasm and eagerness allowed her to develop this skill. Her talent for piano has earned her a spot in Bowdon’s prestigious rock band. One of her teachers praised her performances “both within the school and on larger stages, leaves audiences enraptured, showcasing not only her musical prowess but also their newfound confidence”.

 

Isabella’s musical journey reveals also a dedication to the Chamber Choir, Orchestra, Samba Band and the many more musical clubs Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls has to offer. Playing for a variety of audiences including care homes and town festivals in a mix of solo and group performances Isabella loves music because “we use it to connect with community members and inspire others to engage in musical activities”. A wonderful sentiment that could inspire us all.

 

While Isabella’s musical talent shines through that is not all she has been involved with at Bowdon. With her newfound confidence, she begins to embark on her sporting journey. As we all know, it can be daunting joining new clubs and making new friends, but Isabella seems to take it in her stride. Joining not only the school netball team but also another team outside of school motivating her to develop her skill and stamina. After becoming a prominent member of both teams, she later joined the school lacrosse and tag-rugby teams. Work on stamina was the goal and work she did - recently achieving a personal best in the 800m with 3 minutes 46 seconds!

If all of that wasn’t impressive enough, to complete Isabella’s well-rounded character she is also a dedicated member of the school council. She is an active hard worker fostering a real sense of community through her role. Isabella’s contributions to her school community can be felt through her multiple elections in school council and the receipt of the prestigious Headteacher’s Award.

All at Bowdon Preparatory School for Girls can see her dedication to extracurricular engagement and community involvement. Isabella’s journey is indeed inspiring, showing us all that perseverance and determination leads to success.

As Isabella is set to embark on another adventurous journey, she eagerly anticipates learning new skills and cultivating new interests from the extracurricular activity clubs of her new school. She also expresses her commitment to actively engage in the local community by volunteering.

The Maxwell Prize, a non-academic award named in honour of Stanley Maxwell, a lifelong contributor to the Independent Schools Association (ISA), values commitment to school and community life. It is a celebration of all who have ever been nominated. It is an honour to recognise our pupil’s outstanding achievements moulding them into well rounded young people in society. Contributing positively to their school and the wider world around them. Each nominee can be seen on the Maxwell Prize roll of Honour, which can be viewed here. 

ISA President, Lord Lexden, will welcome Isabella and her family in October alongside ISA CEO Rudolf Eliott Lockhart at the House of lord to present her with a trophy, certificate and prize.