On Wednesday 24 June, parents joined the Shiplake College cohort to celebrate the end of another academic year, and bid a fond farewell to the current Year 13 pupils, who spent their final day at the College under a beautifully clear blue sky. The Prize Giving ceremony is an annual event, held to acknowledge the academic achievements of pupils throughout the year, as well as sporting contributions and contributions to the life of the College community.
The opening address was given by the Chairman of Governors, Mr Tim Eggar. The address focused on the atmosphere at Shiplake, the inclusive nature for which the College is so well known. Mr Eggar went on to acknowledge all members of the school – teaching, support staff and pupils – and their part to play in helping to earn the ‘excellent’ ISI inspection report; a sentiment that Headmaster Mr Gregg Davies went on to echo.
Mr Davies took to the stage to offer a warm congratulations to the College community. Many steps had been taken since the previous inspection was held, and the work had not gone unnoticed, allowing the College to receive the highest grade of achievement across every single category. Taking his usual humorous approach, Mr Davies was able to deliver an amusing and engaging speech, as well as being wonderfully heartfelt.
Following the Headmaster’s address, Guest of Honour Amar Latif was invited onstage with Mr Davies, to present the prizes to the winning pupils.
Awards were given for pupils throughout Years 7-10, who were the highest achieving pupils in each year group. This was broken down by subjects for GCSE and Sixth Form Level. After the Governors’ Prizes, special awards were presented. These included such awards as the Eaton Award for academic development, the Lashbrook Award for outstanding service to the community and the Darwin Quaich award for Contribution to the life of the Lower School. The prestigious Senior Common Room prizes were then presented. Barney Aldridge won the Edinburgh Prize for being the non-school prefect who has contributed most to the life of the College. Oliver Walker won the Matthew Bevin Prize, for the most industrious Year 11 pupil, and Daniel Di Guilio won the Caston Prize for the pupil who has shown notable determination and tenacity during the course of their College career. A full list of winners can be viewed here.
Head of College Yeem Chanthanawan then took the microphone, addressing the audience with a heart-warming speech about the value of time. Yeem discussed how his time at Shiplake, although it felt fleeting, allowed him to develop and flourish, creating lifelong bonds with peers. Yeem went on to say that Shiplake has taught him to appreciate his time, and the challenges that life can throw at him. His closing sentence – that time is a gift, which is why it is called the present – was heavy with sincerity. Although joining the College as a nervous boarder, Yeem has become a keen sportsman and musician and will be remembered fondly in the history of the College. Greg Cooke takes the position of Head of College from September 2015.
Entrepreneur and world traveller Amar Latif then had the attention of the audience, as he spoke about the challenges he had faced when he turned blind at the tender age of 19. Despite the life-altering challenge ahead of him, Amar told the audience how he had moved from ‘why me’ street, to embrace the opportunities around him. Amar gave an earnest and profound address about the importance of optimism in life, encouraging the pupils to use positivity, creativity and determination to overcome obstacles and take full advantage of the life they’ve been given. Amar went on to say that ‘we are all shareholders in this beautiful experience called life, and we must invest our heart, our soul, our everything, into making the most of this gift.’
The ceremony was followed by a canapé and champagne reception for guests and leavers. The leavers, their families and guests were welcomed back to the marquee in the evening for a spectacular leavers’ ball.
To see more photos from the event, please click here.