Bishop Ramsey C of E School held its Years 11 – 13 Prize Giving evening on Wednesday, December 14th. A Speech of Welcome was delivered by James Cluett, Head Student after which the hymn “In Christ Alone” was sung by the audience led by the school choir.
Dr Hilary Macaulay, Executive Head, then gave her address. She began by saying that this was the first prize giving she was able to lead since becoming Head due to the intervention of the Covid 19 pandemic and that she was delighted to have the opportunity to publicly and physically celebrate the students’ achievements. She continued by saying that the school’s Christian learning was not just about preparing them for exams but showing them how they could make a difference for good by putting service before self. Later she reinforced the idea that they were in charge of their own destiny. Dr Macaulay ended by saying that she was exceptionally proud of their achievements and congratulated all of them.
Next came the Presentation of Prizes for the Academic Year 2021-22 by Canon Dr Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor, St Paul’s Cathedral. These included subject prizes, Year 11 prizes, inclusion faculty prizes, year 12 Commitment Award, Year 13 prizes for outstanding contribution to school life, prizes for academic excellence and, finally, prizes for outstanding achievement. In each category a relevant member of staff introduced individual prize winners and gave reasons why they had been selected for their award.
This was followed by a beautiful performance of the Abba song “Thank You for the Music” by Ella Soares-Smith, Year 13.
Having presented the prizes, Dr Gooder then addressed the students. She began by saying that it was a pleasure for a stranger like her to listen to the stories of their achievements and she offered her congratulations to them for successfully coming through the difficult period of the pandemic. She continued, “I don’t know you but I am really proud of you.” She continued: “I hope you have learnt who you are: you are all different.” She encouraged them to take away with them how they can be more like they are, adding, “Each one of you can change the world, but only by being you. Finally she advised them: “Learn how to be the best you can be.”
Following her inspiring address Dr Gooder was thanked by James Cluett and presented with “ a bottle of something with which to celebrate the festive season.”
After the singing of the final hymn Rev’d Susy Dand, School Chaplain, gave the Final Blessing.
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