On Wednesday 25th of November, the awards evening for Christ’s School took place in St Mary Magdalene’s Church with guest speaker James Naughtie, well known journalist and presenter of the Today programme. As well as awards to individual children, the head teacher Richard Burke used the occasion to reflect on the achievements of the school over the last year.

Following an introduction by the deputy head and a prayer, there was a short presentation on inspirational people from 2009 given by some of the year 10 and year 8 drama students Awards were presented to year 7, 8, 9 and 10 and GCSE certificates to last year’s leavers who turned up in large numbers. One of the highlights amongst these groups was Henry Obaretin, who received three awards for his work in year 8.

During breaks in the ceremony there was a wonderful piano recital of Bach’s prelude no. 1, performed by Connor Patterson, a year 8 student, and then Ellie Donnel a year 9 student, played a Song without Words by Wagner. The final entertainment of the evening was the choir performing, Wind beneath my Wings, and a gospel medley entitled Good News.

Richard Burke, the head teacher, then focused on the progress of Christ’s, in which he spoke of how drastically the school has changed since he became head teacher.

Additionally he spoke of extracurricular activities. The school doesn’t focus only on core, school subjects but provides enriching experiences in other areas of education.

After this, he talks of the record GCSE results that occurred in the last year. Over 80% of Year 11 achieved 5 A*-C!

Finally James Naughtie spoke about the complexities of education, how young people can shape the world, the pursuit of excellence and the fact that you shouldn’t become indifferent. It proved to be a very interesting speech.

by Tristan Pegg