Students’ accomplishments celebrated in Annual Awards Evening

Northampton High was delighted to host the annual Awards Evening, celebrating academic and the broader achievements of students during the 2018/19 academic year.

It was our pleasure to welcome students, parents, special guests and staff to Northampton High for the annual Awards Evening, last Friday, the showcase event celebrating the students’ academic and broader achievements throughout the year. Not only were A Level and GCSE certificates awarded to pupils, but many other prizes and accolades too, to recognise excellence across the subjects, as well as for dance, music and the Arts, commending outstanding attainment from maths, science and debating competitions through to sporting achievements and exceptional service in the community.

Before the Awards event got underway, staff and students were delighted to welcome back the Class of 2019 for a champagne Reunion Reception. This was, for many, the first visit home since going to off to university, and an opportunity to reconnect with friends last seen collecting their A Level results; it was striking how mature they girls appeared, and wonderful to hear about their adventures so far in the wider world. Drinks and canapés were served in the atmospheric setting of the Senior School foyer, transformed with music, candles, lanterns, balloons and fairy lights, before guests made their way to the Theatre in readiness for the event.

The theme for this academic year is Fearless Individuality, and Mrs Petryszak, Acting Head, gave countless examples in her opening report of how High School girls continue to flourish both inside and outside of the classroom, breaking boundaries and challenging themselves to be the best that they can be.

The Highlights booklet of the same name can be found here, and gives a retrospective overview of the year past.

Mr Rickman, Academic Deputy Head, had the pleasure of welcoming all award winners to the stage to receive their accolades from our guest speaker Professor Sasha Roseneil, Northampton High alumna, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Social and Historical Sciences and Professor of Interdisciplinary Social Science in the Institute of Advanced Studies at the University College London.

The distribution of prizes was sandwiched between two breath-taking student performances, showcasing the impressive quality and depth of the Arts offered in school. The Senior Drama Company delivered an exceptional and thought-provoking performance of their devised piece ‘Seasons’, and Natasha Wilcockson wowed the audience with her rendition of JS Bach’s Cello Suite No II Allemande – with both performances earning a well-deserved ovation by the captivated guests, ahead of Chair of Governors, Deirdre Newham, welcoming Professor Roseneil to the stage to deliver her speech.

Sasha talked passionately about her memorable experiences at Northampton High, and gave insights into how her schooling prepared her for her career and life in general, inspiring all in attendance in the process. Sasha’s impactful speech was followed by an unforgettable vocal performance by Théa Deacon, who delivered an emotional performance of Ombra Mai Fu by George Friedric Handel, accompanied by Mr Nathan.

Head Girl, Isabel Balkhi, closed the formalities with a powerful vote of thanks to students and guests, Mrs Newham, Chair of Governors, and especially Professor Roseneil for her passionate and inspiring address, concluding one of our favourite, special occasions of the year.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our guests for joining us for an evening of hope, motivation and recognition, and to congratulate all of the deserving award recipients.

Admissions

Apply for a place