A SCHOOL community celebrated an ‘awesome’ year of learning recognising children for their successes in academia, improvement, endeavour and citizenship.
Pupils at Barnard Castle Preparatory School were joined by family and friends at an annual speech day and prize giving ceremony.
Children from Reception to Year 6 were presented with an array of certificates and silverware marking achievements in their academic studies, sport, art, music and personal development.
Headmistress Laura Turner said: “Awesome is how I feel every day when I look at our children as they continue to apply themselves both in and outside the classroom.”
She highlighted the awesome achievements she witnessed in school every day, the House competitions and external fixtures.
“It has been an awesome year and I am in awe of the kindness and empathy our children show,” she said. “When the children are happy they achieve in many ways. They are happy, curious, polite; they are the epitome of the Barney Way. In fact Preppies of all ages are quite simply awesome.”
Mrs Turner praised the first ever Head Boy, Head Girl and House Captains for being exemplary and fantastic role models, for devoting time to their duties and being great ambassadors for the school.
As they and the rest of Year 6 prepared to move up to Senior School she told them: “It’s an awesome journey you are on so take a risk, dare to fail and give it everything. Aim to be the very best you can be and I know you will get there because I know you are awesome.”
Guests were treated to performances by the Junior Choir, Pre-Prep Choir and a whole-school performance of Proud.
Chairman of Governors Peter Mothersill said: “Academic success is only one part of the jigsaw. Intelligence and character remain the goals of a true education. We recognise the less tangible but equally important soft skills and are committed to promoting creativity and originality which are as vital as literacy.”
Headmaster of Barnard Castle School Tony Jackson said: “As a parent and Headmaster, the highlight for me was sports day, which demonstrated all that’s wonderful about Prep School.
“I witnessed the support, the endeavour, the winning, the losing, the need for competition and striving to win, but the acceptance that it’s not always about the result, it’s about the journey.
“Year 6, you are ready for the next stage of that journey but without forgetting the important lessons you have learned.”