Leavers attend Prize Giving Dinner

The evening was attended by 230 sixth formers, along with learning mentors, teachers, boarding staff members of the school management team and governors.

To commemorate the Schools 400th anniversary, students were presented with gold coins in recognition of the gold standard they have set for others to follow.

Our Year 13 have been a wonderfully cohesive and supportive year group, forging strong friendships and positive experiences as they have developed and demonstrated the skills they will need to be successful in the 21st century.

Students arrived looking magnificent in their formal attire.

They were greeted by Headteacher,Mr Nick Wergan, Deputy Heads Mr John Young and Mr Dominic Kenrick and the Director of the Sixth Form College and Assistant Head Mrs Sally Randall. Students enjoyed a glass of Pimms before photographs were taken in the grounds.

The evening’s formal proceedings began with prizes in the form of book tokens which were awarded to students in recognition of their approach to learning as positive, independent and engaged young people.

The prizes were presented by the Headteacher Mr Wergan. Students were also recognised for their contribution to the wider life of the School. Niall Fry received recognition for overcoming significant difficulties during his academic career, showing perseverance and determination to succeed in the form of the prestigious Millennium Trust Award. This young man has continued to sparkle, showing undoubted courage and endeavour to the best he can be despite personal setbacks.

Other Sixth Form College students received prizes for their work for their contribution to life in the Sixth Form College and life in the Boarding House. Head Boy Jack Crossfield, Head Girl Holly Duckett and Deputy Head Girl Holly Kool, together with Head Boy of Boarding Tonye Dokubo and Head Girl of Boarding Charlotte Schrader were awarded the Foundation Governors’ Prize for carrying out their duties superbly throughout the year.

We continue to be grateful to the Foundation Governors, Friends of Steyning Grammar School, and the Rotary Clubs of Storrington, Steyning & Henfield together with the Chanctonbury Lions Club, County Engineering Solutions Limited, Huddlestone Farm, and many other local companies for their generous support in sponsoring these awards.

Our students were delighted to have their efforts recognised and celebrated, and staff welcomed the opportunity to pay tribute to so many talented individuals.

Many students thanked their teachers for the help and guidance they had received during their A level and IB studies.

Head Boy, Head Girl and their Deputies together with the Head Boy and Girl of Boarding, delivered an entertaining farewell speech and spoke for all our sixth formers when they said that they would miss the school and would be eternally grateful for the guidance given during their time in the Sixth Form College.

Students expressed their thanks to the Sixth Form Management Team and Sixth Form College Admin support staff.

Mrs Randall expressed her sadness at having to say goodbye to such a dynamic, enthusiastic and caring group of students. Students leave the Sixth Form College with fond memories and strong lasting friendships. She ended her speech with: “When you joined the Sixth form College you were already precious golden nuggets.

“If as teachers, mentors and supporters we have helped to shine those bits of you that were not so bright then our job is done. However hard it is we know that we have to open all the doors and windows and let you fly. With all your talent and abilities the world needs you, so go out there and make it a better place.”

Students were most appreciative of the leadership strengths of Headteacher Mr Wergan, applauded for his positive impact on Steyning Grammar School. As Mr Wergan summed up: “We will all face future challenges, in our academic studies, in our world of work and in our personal lives; I really hope that in those moments you can draw back on the grit and resilience you have shown and developed in school to face down any such problems, and to achieve the dreams you really want.”

Finally, Mr Wergan brought the formal proceedings to a close with a toast to the class of 2014. A three-course dinner followed and the evening’s celebrations continued with a disco until midnight.

Report and picture contributed by Steyning Grammar School.