Their chosen fancy dress theme, ‘Sports Allstars’, highlighted the range and standard of a variety of sports they have continued with despite the challenges of #lockdown life. Perhaps their physical fitness and prowess has contributed to their resilience and their pragmatic approach to the difficult circumstances they have faced and overcome. 

Many were awarded Subject Prizes for their progress and contribution to the academic life of the Sixth Form, others were recognised for their input in Tutorials, and all were presented with gifts to celebrate their legacy. There were poignant moments of reflection, moments of hilarity as we looked back over the two years shared and moments of anticipation as they look forward. It has been an absolute joy to work with each of them and I am proud to see the confident, competent and quite brilliant individuals they have become.

It was as if the baton was being handed on today. As Year 13 left, Year 12 played out the Boys v Girls netball match they themselves had planned and organised to raise funds for the children we support in Brufut, the Gambia. 

The game was played in a great spirit with skill, courage and determination aplenty on both teams. The first half was won by the boys, the second half by the girls. But the overall winners are the school children in the Gambia who will be able to continue their education. 

It was impressive to see how mature the new Year 13s are and the supporting crowd, like me, were very proud of them.