Prospectus
Prize Giving and Certificate Presentation Evening
Recognising Outstanding Achievements
Our annual Prize Giving and Certificate Presentation Evening is a significant highlight of the school year. Each December we look back over the previous academic year and formally recognise the outstanding achievements of our students. That achievement comes as a result of the efforts of staff at all levels and the hard work and commitment of the young people.
We were delighted to welcome as our guest speaker for the evening, Margaret Goldie, Corporate Director for children and young people. She spoke of the opportunities school life gives to young people to learn, gain in experience and confidence as they mature. She mentioned that this is not exclusively academic; there being a wealth of opportunities for non-curricular activities and community work.
Awards were presented for academic achievement, but also for effort and successes in sport, work experience, performing arts and service to the school. A number of awards and trophies have been donated in memory of past students and teachers including: the Pemberton Trophy, in memory of a former student Will Pemberton, for outstanding contribution to Performing Arts within the school; the Shepheard Trophy for contribution and dedication to sport, previously awarded to Theo Walcot and the Pam Smethurst-Evans Citizenship Award in memory of a former Deputy Headteacher.
All students who completed their GCSE examinations last year were invited to receive their formal examination certificates. The Downs School GCSE results for 2008 were arguably the best in West Berkshire. Most students returned to the Downs Sixth Form to continue their studies but some, deciding on a different career path, took the wonderful opportunity to catch up with former students and staff.
Our former Sixth Formers were also invited back to receive their formal examination certificates and Awards. It is particularly pleasing to welcome them back from University, Gap Year travels and success in training and employment.
We are proud to be comfortably in the top 10% of schools in the country for exam success but we are equally proud to be able to celebrate, on this formal occasion that the Downs School is much more than that. Our students achieve in all walks of life and different aspects of education, demonstrating that the Downs experience sets the foundations for successful life experiences.
