Year 13 Leavers Events

Published on 25/07/24

Two events traditionally mark the end of a student’s journey through Stephen Perse Cambridge.

Year 13 Leavers’ Service – Gonville and Caius College Chapel

Monday 24 June saw parents, staff and pupils gather in the chapel of Gonville and Caius College for our annual leavers' service by kind permission of the Master and Fellows. The service was led by the Dean, Rev’d Dr Cally Hammond, who has led this service for a number of years and it is always a pleasure to listen to her wise address. As well as celebrating the value placed by Dr Stephen Perse on faith and education, the Rev’d Dr Hammond offered two pieces of advice to our leavers: don’t be afraid and be kind.

Year 13 Leavers’ Prize Giving and Dinner

On the evening of Tuesday 25 June, parents, staff and students celebrated in a different style with our annual leavers’ prize giving and dinner. The event was held at the beautiful Manor Barn in Harlton decorated in the school colour. The weather was glorious as the guests sipped their pre-dinner fizz and our resident photographer, Mr Aidan Whyte, captured the smiles for posterity. It was lovely to see the students in black tie and elegant dresses enjoying a well-deserved reward for their hard work.

Following a group photograph in the garden, the students were presented to the gathered parents in the barn to rapturous applause in celebration of this milestone in their lives.

After the meal, there came the awarding of the school prizes by The Head of 11-18, Mr Stephen Ward.

Speeches followed the prize giving. In her speech, Mrs Jacqueline Paris, Head of Sixth Form, likened the journey through A levels to crossing a river with periods of both calm water and of fast flowing currents that can knock students off of their feet. She reminded them that this was a shared journey with their friends, parents and teachers acting as guide rope, to be on hand when needed. She urged them not just to focus on the destination but to enjoy the journey, to jump off the safe path, to both ride the rapids and play in the shallows.

Awards then moved onto a lighter note. Ms Barrell awarded tiaras to her on-stage and back stage drama crew for their enthusiasm in a wide range of productions over the years.

The Heads of School, Florence and Ryan, then took to the stage and thanked parents and staff on behalf of the student body for the support they have received during their schooling. They reminisced on some of their memorable moments through the Sixth Form and finally they celebrated by awarding medals to the winners of the student polls for the yearbook. Too long a list to mention but highlights included, most likely to become prime minister (Ben L), most likely to return to The Stephen Perse as a teacher (Dalia P), most likely to ace a last minute assignment (Yannie C) and ‘most kind’ (Tom Le) which sits beautifully with the advice of Rev’d Dr Cally Hammond. Clearly kindness is an attribute already valued among the Sixth Form community.

The students have learnt and been tested on a huge volume of material over their many years of schooling. They have developed skills both academic and practical. As Ryan and Florence reminded the guests in their speeches, they have all grown to Be Curious and to Be Future Innovators but more importantly, they have grown to be kind, caring and responsible young people. They are sent off onto the next stage of their lives equipped with the strength of character to shine in all that they do and the generosity of spirit to do it with compassion.

We wish them well.