Prize Giving 2021

On Friday 25 June, we said goodbye to our class of 2021, with a Leavers' Service in the Parish Church, followed by Prize Giving in the Sports Hall.

Despite the restrictions, we were delighted to be able to hold a hybrid prize giving event for prize winning pupils and leavers in person, and parents and families watching from home. We even had a virtual audience!

Prize Giving began with another grand entrance from our Headmaster Mr Tyrone Howe who had abandoned last year’s boat in favour of a gyrocopter and Head Groundsman, Reiss’ tractor. He arrived in the Sports Hall just in the nick of time while changing out of his Top Gun flight suit!

Mr Howe started off proceedings by giving special mention to Year 13 pupil Matt Waring, who was involved in a serious road traffic accident last weekend. Matt and his family are very much in our thoughts and our prayers. The Rev was then invited to say a prayer on behalf of the Shiplake Community.

Mr Howe then invited the Chair of Governors, Sir David Tanner to address the audience. Sir David congratulated the prize winners, and gave his heartfelt thanks to the staff for their hard work and dedication in what has been an unusual year.  He then, in his address, spoke about overcoming challenges.

Following, Sir David, Mr Howe gave his address. He congratulated the College’s rowers on their recent successes at the National Schools' Regatta and talked about the importance of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, set up to give young people the chance to discover their abilities, which is exactly what Shiplake College was set up to do, and what it still aspires to do. He encouraged as many pupils as possible to get involved in the scheme. 

He finished by thanking the College's staff for their dedication this year: “What I can say with total assuredness, is that the staff at the College could not have given any more this year. They have committed themselves to giving the best school experience for the pupils both inside and outside the classroom. On your (the pupil’s) behalf I would like to say thank you to them.”

Mr Paul Jones, Deputy Head Academic was then invited to announce the prize winners. Each student was broadcast on the big screens holding their awards including those prize winners at home in the virtual audience.

Following the presentation of prizes, Year 13 pupil Maddie Arora was invited to the stage to sing a beautiful rendition of Lady Gaga’s Remember Us This Way from the film, A Star Is Born.

It was then over to Joint Heads of College, Trixie May and James Burgess to give their closing speeches at the end of their tenure. Trixie likened the running of Shiplake to running a country's football team participating in the Euros, with the players (pupils), the management (staff and teachers) and the fans (parents).

Trixie said: “I think we would all agree that the teaching staff have been amazing. Whilst so many schools have struggled with home learning, we have had a full schedule and the staff have given countless opportunities for the pupils to knock the ball into the back of the net.

“I have spoken to many pupils and parents who have said that Shiplake has enabled them or their children to perform at their best. Whilst it is great to win, what we learn at Shiplake is that if you work hard and put in the effort, you will achieve your goals, leaving the school with the qualifications you deserve, great memories and an amazing foundation for life.”

James in his speech talked about the power the word ‘yes’ has in our day to day lives. He wanted pupils to imagine saying yes to everything for an entire year. It could be a decision that changes your life.

He said: “I’m sure we are all guilty of saying no to an opportunity which we have turned down. Saying yes can open you up to new challenges and opportunities. If we wait until we are ready to pursue an opportunity, chances are it will pass us by. The power of saying yes, won’t just help ourselves but the environment we are working in.

“To all the pupils who have many years left at Shiplake I hope you have learnt something from saying yes and hopefully it will lead to many great things.”

Joint Deputy Head of College Kai O'Hare, then introduced our guest speaker, sports presenter, Gabby Logan.

Gabby first thanked the staff for doing such an excellent job with online teaching for her son during lockdown that it enabled her to write a 90,000 word book during her spare time! She entertained the audience with stories of her journey to becoming a sports broadcaster, and helped to share some words of wisdom.

She said: “You have an incredible foundation with what you have achieved and learnt here and I wish you all the very best and good luck with your incredible futures.”

Joint Deputy Head of College, Maddie Arora brought proceedings to a close:

“On behalf of all the pupils, parents and staff watching in the sports hall today and online, thank you for joining us.

“We are leaving with such good memories and a strong friendship group. The Year 13s will miss this amazing school. For those who still have time here, make the most of your opportunities as the time goes so quickly.”

Mr Howe gave a final word of thanks and the ceremony finished with showing the Shiplake Shanty, which encapsulates everything we have been through in the academic year 2020-21.

Good luck class of 2021 - we will miss you!