End of Year Assembly

Today's final assembly of the academic year 2019-20 was all about celebrating those who have shown grit and determination, and have worked really hard at something.

The Rev began proceedings with prayers for those who had sadly lost their lives in the attack in Forbury Gardens, Reading over the weekend and talked about one of Shiplake's core values - kindness - and how it grows when we understand each other.

He then passed over to Mr Brown who thanked The Rev for organising a fantastic Wellbeing Week last week. He said: 'I hope everyone took something away from it' and that it 'helped to equip pupils with some valuable life skills.'

Mr Brown then held up the Nielson Trophy which is presented to the overall winning House from the year's inter-House competitions. The standings are close and it will be the results of this Wednesday's Virtual Sports Day that will determine the winner. Sydney Burnand reminded pupils of the format of the event and Mr Howe then shared a video message from the current British 800m champion, Shelayna Oskan-Clarke, who gave a message of support to pupils.

She said:"Your teachers tell me you have all been working really hard during your remote learning which has been fantastic.

"Now it is your time to shine, after all the hard work that you have put in. I'm wishing you all lots of luck this week for your remote learning sports day.

"Do your best, this week is going to have great weather, so get involved in loads of activities, and most importantly, remember to have lots of fun." 

Award presentations began with Mr Jones, and the Academic Awards.

Bevan Trophy (Senior School Excellence Points) 2020

Graham Vick (Lower School Excellence Points) 2020

So, on to the winning Lower School team:

Mr Jones said: 'Thank you all for your hard work this year. It’s been a pleasure to reward many of you with a special Golden Ticket lunch and I look forward to seeing many more of you enjoying these lunches next year.'

Next up was Director of Music, Mr Curran who introduced the Arts awards for Music, Art, Photography and Drama, with presentations from Miss Mordue, Mr Ramsay and Mrs Farrell:

Arts Awards | Music 2020

Blazer

For pupils in Years 13 who have made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of the College:

Charlie Thomas, Patrick Kenny, Bobby Howard-Jones, Isaac Ashfield, William Mandondo

Full Colours

For pupils in Years 12 and 13 only (certificate and tie):

Freddie Fricker, Anna Hallam, Ellen Hodson, Tom Mythen

Commendations

For pupils in all years who have shown outstanding commitment, improvement or high level of performance (certificate):

Arts Awards | Art & Photography 2020

Blazer

For outstanding pupils in Years 13:

Photography - Bobby Howard-Jones, Estelle Thomas

Art - Josh Walne, Ben Shouksmith

Full Colours

For pupils in Years 12 and 13 only (certificate and tie):

Year 12 Photography - Robert Humphris, Antonia Tunnicliffe, Samuel Green, Alexandra Davies

Year 13 Photography - Maddie Simpson, Isaac Beasley, Joseph Rayner, Harriet Austin

Year 12 Art - Danny Mulligan, Poppy Whitfield, L Sell

Year  13 Art - Sydney Burnand, Ahaura Keighley, George Head, Harriet Austin

Commendations

For pupils in all years who have shown outstanding commitment, improvement or level of performance (certificate):

Arts Awards  | Drama 2020

Blazer

For outstanding pupils in Years 13:

Emily Booth, T Wilkinson, Michael Scanlon

Full Colours

For pupils in Years 12 and 13 only (certificate and tie):

Year 12 - Casper Good

Year 13 - Ashton Britten, Ellen Hodson, Charlie Bradshaw, Charlie Thomas

Commendations

For pupils in all years who have shown outstanding commitment, improvement or level of performance (certificate):

Year 10 iDEA award (Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award)

Next up was Mrs Adamson, who presented this year's Digital Awards.

This is an international programme that helps young people develop and demonstrate their digital, enterprise and employability skills.

J Perry and Richard Wang have completed both Bronze and Silver.

Year 13 GSuite Certification

This shows they have the digital skills to work collaboratively and productively in a professional environment.

The following students have all completed the course and are awaiting their exam results:

In addition, Andrei Woodlock has completed the course and passed the exam.

Science Competition

It was then over to Dr Chare, Head of Science, who presented the winners of the Science Competition. Pupils were asked to write a 500 word essay on a way (or ways) to combat climate change. Winners received Amazon vouchers with £50 for 1st place, £25 for 2nd place and £10 for third place.

The assembly ended with the hymn, I, The Lord of Sea and Sky performed by some of the members of the Camerata, and following that Mr Howe brought proceedings to a close by raising excitement at the 'surprises' to come in this Friday's virtual prize giving - some of which will leave pupils, parents and staff 'aghast'. 

Everyone is invited to 'attend' this Friday at 7.00pm via YouTube livestream (link will be provided in the Bulletin). Dress code is Black Tie, and families are encouraged to send in photos of them celebrating throughout the evening.

For the full assembly, watch here: