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School that 'astounds all visitors'
THE SUN is shining. It's Saturday, May 23 and after many a day of blustery wind the weather has settled for one of the most important dates in the Christ's Hospital calendar.
Speech Day at Christ's Hospital is long awaited not only because it's the beginning of half term for tired students and teachers but also because the Lord Mayor of London makes an annual visit.
The school was founded in London in 1552 and on a wall in Newgate Street you can still see the blue plaque that marks the site.
During the Lord Mayor's visit the school holds an inspirational service in the huge Chapel.
I think it's true to say that Christ's Hospital astounds all visitors, and it's no different in a chapel service; the students thrive off the 'Foundation Hymn' (a unique song written for the school) and lift the roof with 'Jerusalem'.
Then the school forms in the Quad for the March Past, eighteen houses proudly marching past the Lord Mayor performing an 'eyes right'.
I was in the band as usual, playing tenor saxophone, and glad there was no breeze to snatch away my music.
After lunch it was prize giving and speeches in Big School.
I was personally looking forward to hearing the speech from Senior Grecian (Head Boy) Rodney Serunjogi.
In the early days of Christ's Hospital this speech would be memorised and recited in Latin, even though this is not expected nowadays Rodney still added Latin phrases and quotes to prove his flair with languages and aptitude of public speaking.
You might remember Rodney as 'Rods' in the CH band in 'Rock School' a few years ago.
So now it's half term what have I got planned? I'm taking A Levels in Music Technology, Drama and English Literature and my exams start in about two weeks time.
So now I'm on study leave with no more taught lessons.
I guess that my half term will be full of moments when I wish exams did not exist but, alas, I must take them on like a brave matador against a raging bull.
There is a chance that I may not be lucky but if I put hard effort into revision then I hope they won't defeat me.
Mortimer Pockett is 18 years old and live in Storrington. He is a sixth former at Christ's Hospital School.
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Weather for Horsham
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: -1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: -7 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: East
