Prize Giving 2024: Upper Sixth & Upper Fifth

The Prize Giving ceremony, attended by parents, pupils and staff, was a wonderful celebration of the many achievements of the Year 13 (Upper Sixth) and Year 11 (Upper Fifth) students over the academic year.

This year, we were delighted to welcome educational speaker James Shone as our Principal Guest.

The evening opened with a processional fanfare, followed by a welcome from the Head Girl, Tessa S-I, and Head Boy, Ned W. Opening prayers were read by the Deputy Heads of School, Charlie A and Ayodenu D.

Mark M gave a poignant solo vocal performance of ‘Til I Hear You Sing by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Glenn Slater.

Chair of Governors, Mary Edis, formally introduced the evening, praising the recent successes of the pupils and the school following the impressive results from the recent ISI inspection.   

“The results of the report are testament to the outstanding hard work of our dedicated and talented teaching staff and the school’s leadership team and support staff. We were delighted, but not surprised, that the inspectors were so impressed with our students, your children, and in particular their observation that, almost without exception, in lessons and around the school, pupils show consideration and respect for each other.”

Echoing Mrs Edis’ words, Headmaster, Joe Smith also summarised the many successes of the school, not just in the academic sense, but also in its success in recognising the importance of educating the whole person. By encouraging a focus on resilience, kindness and respect, these all contribute hugely to developing a remarkable character in our pupils.

Mr Smith went on to mention that on first joining St Benedict’s, the most noticeable aspect that stood out to him was the ‘wonderful sense of community’ around the school. From the parents, pupils and staff, the strong sense of mutual respect and strong moral values, is testament to helping equip the students to go on to make valuable contributions to society.

Addressing those in their final year at the school, Mr Smith said, “Thank you and good luck - I hope you will remember St Benedict’s fondly. We are proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing you excel in the future.”

The evening was filled with inspiration, as we honoured our students’ dedication and hard work, from academic excellence to outstanding sportsmanship.

 

Mr Shone, a former Headmaster, educational speaker and founder of mental health charity; ‘I Can & I Am’, presented the prizes to the students.

In his address, Mr Shone spoke to us about his remarkable and inspirational journey following a brain tumour diagnosis in 2012. He recounted how this gave him a determination to turn this set back into a springboard and inspire confidence in young people about how best to respond to the harder challenges they may face in a positive way.   

On speaking at the prize giving ceremony, Mr Shone added, “What a pleasure to speak in such an incredible place, I think St Benedict’s Abbey is the most impressive space I've yet spoken in! Thank you for having me, best of luck to all those in U5th and U6th for the coming weeks and keep those balloons of self-belief inflated!”

Headmaster, Joe Smith said:

“It was wonderful to welcome my friend and former colleague James Shone to St Benedict's to help us celebrate the achievements of our U5 and U6 students. James spoke powerfully and movingly, and it was a privilege to see the young people's success so warmly applauded.”