Every year on the 40th day of Easter, our Year 13 pupils and pastoral team celebrate Ascension Day. This involves the Year 13 pupils and staff making an early morning pilgrimage to Maidensgrove Common, considered the highest point in the area around Henley, for a very important 'moving on' event.
It's about new beginnings and the Year 13 pupils, with the school's support, coming to terms with leaving Shiplake.
At 6.30am today, a group of Year 13s and staff descended on Maidensgrove. The event included prayers from The Rev, readings from the Head and Deputy Chapel Wardens and a hotly contested game of rounders. This year the staff who joined the pupils included, Headmaster Mr Howe, Mr Brown, Mr Alcock, Ms Davies and of course The Rev.
At the end of the event, each pupil blew bubbles while they reflected on their time at Shiplake. It was then time for breakfast.
The School Chaplain, Revd Chris Briggs, said: "It was so lovely to see Maidensgrove alive with activity and laughter this year when compared to our very limited event last year, due to lockdown.
"This event is a very important 'moving on' event for our Year 13 pupils and I am pleased they had the time to reflect about their time at Shiplake and what the future will bring.
"I wish all our Year 13 pupils the very best for the future."
