It was a wonderful occasion on Wednesday 28 June as all pupils, parents and staff came together for the College’s Speech Day and Prize Giving ceremony. Held in the Prize Giving Marquee, it provided the opportunity to reflect on another year at Shiplake College, present a multitude of prizes and awards, and listen to key speakers including the Chairman of Governors, the Headmaster, Heads of College, and our guest speaker.
Despite what has become somewhat of a tradition over the last few years, the Headmaster was not late to this year’s Prize Giving ceremony and instead arrived with the rest of the stage party. However, members of the audience were nonetheless in for a treat in the form of a video courtesy of the Music Department. Following their recent trip to France (watch this space!) where pupils performed in the streets of Paris, everyone had the chance to watch the music video, Paris Waves, which we are excited to share with you soon!
The Chairman of Governors, Sir David Tanner CBE, was first to address the audience where in his speech, reflected on a great year for the College particularly now in the freedom of Covid-19. He paid tribute to all the staff who work at the College and particularly to three members of staff – Revd Chris Briggs who died before Christmas, as well as to Mr Curtis and Mr Brown who are both moving on to the next chapters of their lives in retirement.
Sir David also spoke about some of the College’s future plans with regards to its development and strategic planning over the next five years. These were broken down into three aims – to be a fully co-educational school within five years; to invest in the College’s facilities including new classrooms (including specialist rooms) and sports facilities (including new pitches); and to retain the College's outstanding status at the next ISI inspection.
The Headmaster, Mr Tyrone Howe, was next to address everyone before introducing those present to an individual who blew everyone away earlier in the week. In a moment of incredible music talent and bravery, everyone present were treated to a performance from A Merritt. Following their incredible performance at Monday’s Shiplake Rocks, A Merritt took to the stage to sing Adele’s When We Were Young resulting with a well-deserved standing ovation. It’s amazing to think that this was only the second time they performed in front of a crowd of this size but we’re sure it won’t be the last!
Deputy Head Academic, Mr Paul Jones, then took to the lectern to read the names of all the prize winners who came on stage to shake the hands of the guest speaker, Nick English, and the Headmaster before collecting their prizes. There were academic prizes, Shiplake 7 awards as well as many special awards for services to the College. A full list of these prizes and awards, including the recipients, can be found in the ceremony’s programme.
Joint Heads of College Samuel Edwards and P Kay then gave their individual addresses which were both inspiring and entertaining in equal measure, before Joint Deputy Head of College Matthew Grundy introduced Nick English, the Co-Founder of Bremont Watches.
Nick was involved in a horrific plane crash with his father, who did not survive the accident. Realising that life was too short to waste, Nick and his brother, Giles, left the city and started a business restoring and maintaining historic aircraft. From tragedy to triumph, everyone heard about the extraordinary origins of Bremont Watches and how their chronometers, proudly made on British shores, are now sold all over the world through high-end jewellers and Bremont's own boutiques.
The ceremony ended with a lovely tribute to Mr Nick Brown who is retiring after spending 24 years at the College. After taking his place in the front row, the College Camerata took to the stage to sing a version of Seasons of Love that thanked Mr Brown for his service. As the song went, ‘how do you measure the career of a wonderful man?’
A Merritt’s performance, the Camerata’s tribute to Mr Brown, and the entirety of Prize Giving can be watched below (apologies for the initial silence at the start of Paris Waves).
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