On Wednesday 25 June, all members of the Shiplake College community gathered together in glorious sunshine to celebrate the end of another eventful and successful academic year. The annual Prize Giving Ceremony acknowledges and rewards pupils’ greatest academic achievements, as well as giving everyone a chance to reflect on the previous 10 months at the College.
The opening address by the Vice-Chairman of Governors, Mr Mark Mackenzie-Charrington, focussed on records. The 2013-2014 school year has been record-breaking in every sense. A record number of 410 pupils began the academic year in September 2014, which will be further supplemented by a record number of girls in September 2015. There was record rain fall in the winter resulting in a record number of days with the river on red boards, making the Boat Club’s achievements at National Schools’ Regatta even more remarkable. There was also a record number of international sporting appearances, in rowing, rugby and touch rugby. The list goes on and on.
There is real hope that the great strides made by pupils inside the classroom will reap record-breaking rewards in August. The impact on league tables is not a priority, however, for our Headmaster, as he explained in his engaging speech based on his favourite mantra; ‘Choice, Risk, Consequence’. The College continues to make choices to benefit all pupils on an individual basis, such as entering them early into GCSE Mathematics and English exams. This carries a risk of unfavourable league table positions, as grades achieved at the second or third attempt are not considered valid in the rankings. The consequence, however, is that all Shiplake boys and girls have the best possible opportunities to succeed and attain high grades.
Following the Headmaster’s address, the Deputy Headmaster welcomed Guest of Honour Graham Bell to the stage to present the prizes to winning pupils. Awards were given to highest achieving pupils in Year Groups 7-10, and then in each subject at GCSE and Sixth Form level.
Next to the stage were winners of special awards, including the Eaton Prize for academic development and the Darwin Quaich for contribution to the life of the lower school. Prestigious Senior Common Room Staff Prizes were then announced, with Max Hearnden given the Edinburgh Prize for the non-school prefect who has contributed most to the life of the College. Chris Baker won the Matthew Bevin Cup for the most industrious Year 11 pupil and Harry Vardigans claimed the Caston Prize for the pupil who has shown notable determination and tenacity during the course of their College career. The final awards were the Headmaster’s Prizes which included the Quaich for outstanding contribution to Shiplake sporting life, won by Sophie Arnold, Dom Rice and Jamie Westbrook. A full list of prize winners can be viewed here.
After accepting his award as Head of College, Tom Arnold took to the microphone to deliver a phenomenal speech to his peers. Tom explained how Shiplake provides countless opportunities to try new things and develop valuable life skills; all pupils need to do is take them. Tom shared great memories of bonds he had formed with counterparts, especially his fellow rowers. Tom has been a fantastic ambassador for the College over the past 12 months and will be a very hard act to follow. That challenge goes to Yeem Chanthanawan, who has been appointed as the new Head of College. Emma Haynes will become Yeem’s deputy.
Five-time British Winter Olympian and TV personality Graham Bell took to the stage to share anecdotes and inspiration from his exciting and eventful career. Graham talked of the challenges he faced in matching his multi-talented elder brother Martin, and the determination, resilience and sheer bloody-mindedness required to succeed. Pupils were advised to adopt a similar attitude to their exploits at school, as there is no limit to what each individual can achieve.
After the ceremony, guests made their way out onto the front field to enjoy a canapé and champagne reception. Year 13 leavers were invited back to the marquee along with their parents and guests in the evening for a spectacular leavers’ ball.
More photographs from the Prize Giving Ceremony can be accessed via our Flickr gallery.
