Student achievements celebrated at school speech day ceremony

Wisbech Grammar School and its prep school Magdalene House hosted socially-distanced speech day ceremonies to commemorate the achievements of students.

Pupils, parents and teachers gathered for the first time in 18 months as everyone reflected on school experiences, celebrated successes and offered guidance for the future.

“Teaching the skills today the world needs tomorrow” was the key message at the senior school speech day ceremony.

Headmaster Chris Staley encouraged pupils to continue learning beyond academic studies, and develop the key skills and behaviours which employers require.

“These skills in the next phase of your education and life are going to become increasingly important,” he said when referring to areas such as critical thinking, problem solving and people management.

He also shared his vision for the school to become a forward-thinking educational establishment which embraces technology to deliver innovative approaches to teaching.

The school’s IT infrastructure is being upgraded this summer, each Year 7 pupil will be given an iPad and systems which integrate artificial intelligence into teaching and learning will be introduced.

In the next phase, the technology will be rolled out across the wider school.

He said: “We aim to integrate the technology into the buildings to provide smart teaching and learning facilities that work seamlessly with the best education platforms available...”

Special guest Dr Helen Wright, an international education advisor, attended via video link to reflect on her own educational journey with her school friends, and explored the different directions their lives have since gone in.

She said: “We can’t change that past, but we can take that past on, so it becomes part of our experience and our understanding. It can enrich us."

Meanwhile, Magdalene House’s speech day ceremony focused on kindness and commemorated the resilience and strength of pupils throughout the pandemic.

In her speech, Keryn Neaves, Senior Deputy Head of the Prep School, said: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.”

Awards were also handed out to pupils.

Mia Lesniak received the “Spirit of Magdalene House Award” which is presented to the pupil who encompasses the school ethos of taking every opportunity that is presented to them.

Kari-Ella Bailey, who performed at the ceremony on the piano, was presented with the music award for her contribution to the music and musical theatre departments.

The “Endeavour Award” was presented to all pupils within the prep school for their “true resilience, resourcefulness, reflectiveness and reciprocity” throughout the pandemic.

Outgoing Head Girl Georgia Ward and Head Boy Oliver Gee shared their school experiences and their successors Phoebe Trew and Dilan Kant were welcomed into their new roles.