STUDENTS won high praise for their efforts in turbulent times, helping to maintain their school’s reputation for excellence which stretches back centuries.
Lower school pupils at Ripon Grammar School received a host of prizes for achievements in subject areas, progress and integrity, including academia and sport.
Headmaster Martin Pearman praised staff and students for not being distracted by the ‘turbulent year in education’ experienced by schools across the country.
He said: “Prizegiving 2016 celebrates another fine year of achievement and endeavour by both students and staff. Perhaps this is even more notable this year given the increasing turbulence in education policy that we have been experiencing in recent times.
“But the key components of teaching and learning, the relationships between staff and students, the breadth of educational experience and preparation for life beyond school never change.
“It is this relentless focus on this activity within school which is of the highest priority, ensuring that staff are not distracted from these key goals, which makes RGS the school it is today.”
Mr Pearman highlighted last summer’s record examination results at GCSE with almost two thirds of the grades being A* or A grade. At A level, 72 per cent of the grades we A*-B, ranking Ripon Grammar School as one of the highest performing state schools in the North East and Yorkshire.
He also praised the success on the sports field, particularly in the lower school, and in music, business and enterprise.
The guest speaker, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire Barry Dodd CBE, who also presented the prizes, said: “Everyone associated with this school is a winner because this is a special school. With a wider mix of ethnic and social backgrounds, students gain the skills to be part of a global community.”
Chairman of Governors Dr Peter Mason added: “It is the mark of an outstanding school that it celebrates the achievements of everyone. The school is ambitious for all its students and whatever their talents and abilities they can achieve their very best or better.”
Entertainment was provided by student pianist and clarinettist Anika Schwarze-Chintapatla and singer Susie Morgan.
Prizes
The Robert Atkinson Prize for Art: Alia Moon
The Robert Atkinson Prize for Design Technology: Nathaniel Ireland
Lower School Prize for English: Finlay Pruden
Mrs Anderson’s Prize for Food Technology: Joshua Halliday
The Mearns Prize for Progress in French: Phoebe Hall
The Lower School Prize for Geography: Emily Parry
The Lower School Prize for History: Sebastian Lyons
The Lower School Prize for Mathematics: Amy Crompton
The Lower School Prize for Music: Anika Schwarze-Chintapatla
The Andrew Mawson Cup for Physical Education: Archibald Lawson
The Barbara Selby Cup for Physical Education: Katie Reed
The Lodge Prize for Poetry: Clara Dammann
The Lower School Prize for Religious Education: Jessica Hasson
Mrs Bowdery’s Prize for Progress in Science: Jessica Herlihy
Ex Libris Librarian’s Prize: Ryan Allsopp
The Junior Drama Trophy: Elliot Hutchinson
The John Benson Memorial Trophy for Integrity: Genevieve Hoskison
The Prize for All-round Achievement: George Exley
The Contribution Cup (Johnson House): Abigail Burke
The Contribution Cup (School House): Harry Williams
The Junior House Cup: Hutton House