On Thursday, June 30th. the school held its Prize Giving for the Academic Year 2025/6. Visitors gathered in the Atrium half an hour before the beginning of the ceremony. There was a welcome performance by the Jazz Band and cool drinks were being served and students were offering tasty nibbles that they had prepared.
When everyone was seated in the hall Mr. Malcolm Britton, Headteacher welcomed everyone as did the Head Students, Nick Gettens and Sophia Jefferey. This was followed by a delightful musical item, Vulnerable by Elle Limebear performed by Rhema and Sabrina Necula both singing and one on the piano.
To set the tone of the evening, on a large screen above the stage was a message which read: “Tonight we celebrate your success! Congratulations to all our students on their fantastic achievements. We are incredibly proud of everything you’ve accomplished.”
Mr Britton had made the decision not to invite a guest speaker to present the prizes as had happened in the past, but invited the Head Students to undertake this responsible task which they performed admirably. There were students receiving prizes in all seven subject faculties of the curriculum as well as Special Prizes. Before receiving their prize a member of the teaching staff gave a resume of their performance which resulted in them being chosen. This gave the audience a real feeling of each student’s personality. Words frequently used to describe their effort were: commitment, focus, dedication, concentration, exceptional talent in the subject, a model student and a pleasure to teach. Such comments must have made parents present very proud of their sons and daughters. Special Prizes were awarded for non-academic achievements.
Sophia
Obviously every student who won a prize is to be congratulated, but a few deserve special mention for their effort. One of these is Sophia, Year 9 who achieved two prizes. One was for Food and Nutrition KS3 and the other was The Barnabas Prize for Encouragement (KS3) as she is a source of support and encouragement to her peers. Amelia Rockley, Year 13 won a prize for Physical Education and her teacher spoke of her excellent ability to juggle participating in top level sport with her academic studies. The Michael Udall (past Headteacher) Prize for Outstanding Sporting Performance was won by Oscar Dennis, Year 11 who has loved playing rugby since the age of seven and has progressed to becoming a member of the Harlequins Rugby Academy.
Daniel Wong
Another student was Daniel Wong, Year 13 who received prizes for Mathematics and Physics. His teacher commented on his exceptional skills and support of his peers.
When all the prizes had been presented, the audience was entertained by an amazingly beautiful musical performance by Macey Johnson of Ain’t No Way by Aretha Franklin. Mr Britton then gave his Review of the Year during which he was confirmed as the new Headteacher which obviously comes with greater responsibilities. Having decided not to have a guest speaker he had told the Head Students that he wanted them to contribute by speaking of their new positions.
The Head Students, Nick and Sophia
Nick told the audience that this was a bit of a shock for both him and Sophia. They need not have worried as they both spoke very confidently. Nick mentioned his trip to Malawi to visit their partner Malosa School which he said he would always remember. Sophia told the audience that when she joined the school in Year 7 she never imagined that in the future she would become Head Student. She praised the encouragement of all her teachers who have made her the person she is today and prepared her for the future.
Finally everyone joined in singing the Hymn Be Thou My Vision, followed by another great closing performance by the Jazz Band lead by Joshua Rose, Year 12 who won The St Cecilia Shield for Musicianship (KS4). The Final Blessing was performed by Reverend Susy Dand, Chaplain bringing another of Bishop Ramsey’s School to a very successful conclusion.
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