Prize Giving Speaker Announced

Wednesday 29 June marks the end of the summer term and is when our Prize Giving and Speech Day will take place, to celebrate the achievements of all pupils across the academic year, and say farewell to senior pupils. All parents, pupils, staff and governors are warmly invited to attend the ceremony, which will take place in the Prize Giving marquee on Front Field.

In addition to pupils from across the year groups being given awards for a variety of individual successes and addresses from the Headmaster, Chair of Governors and Joint Heads of College, the proceedings also include a Guest of Honour to deliver a thought-provoking and unique address to the Shiplake community. This year, we are delighted to announce that joining us is inspirational Paralympic gold medallist and adventurer Jaco Van Gass MBE.

Jaco was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2009 whilst serving in the Parachute Regiment. He lost his left arm and sustained multiple other life changing injuries. Overcoming adversity and hardship, he has trekked to the North Pole, attempted Everest, summited multiple mountains and ran multiple marathons. In 2014, he joined the British Para-Cycling team with dreams of becoming a Paralympian. He has since become a Triple World Champion and a Double Paralympic Champion and 3x World Record holder in Tokyo 2020.

The timetable for the 2022 Prize Giving Ceremony is as follows:

• 10.45am: Guests are requested to take their seats in the Prize Giving marquee
• 11.00am: Prize Giving ceremony commences
• 12.25pm: Prize Giving ceremony concludes
• 12.30pm: Canapé lunch and drinks reception on Front Field
• 1.45pm: Event ends

Please note the dress code is smart. This year, current parents are requested to RSVP for this event. The buses will be running that morning and registration will be taken at 8.00am as normal, however pupils are welcome to arrive with their parents and go directly to the marquee should they prefer. Other than prize winners, pupils are expected to sit with their parents for the ceremony. There will be no return bus service.

Parents of Year 13 leavers are invited to a Leavers' Service in the Parish Church at 9.30am on Wednesday 29 June, prior to attending the Prize Giving ceremony. All Year 13 leavers and their parents are warmly invited to this special service to mark the end of their time at Shiplake.

We once again look forward to celebrating another fantastic year at Shiplake College.