Pupils from the Fourth (Year 7) to the Fifth (Year 10) were joined in the Centenary Hall by parents, staff and friends of the School for a wonderful Speech Day celebration on Saturday morning, while students in the Upper Fifth (Year 11), Six One (Year 12) and the leaving Six Twos (Year 13s) enjoyed their ceremony in the afternoon.Between rousing speeches from Headmistress Samantha Price and the Chair of Governing Council Anna Birkett, the Lower and Middle School also joined together for a spirited rendition of the School Hymn, and enjoyed a heartwarming performance of This is Me by the Year 7s in British Sign Language (which they learned in one of their Elective lessons). Prizes were awarded to pupils in the Lower and Middle School for their outstanding academic and co-curricular achievements, as well as their contributions to the School community. At the end, they heard from next year’s Head Girl Olivia, and one of the School Captains, Hailey.
The Upper School also heard from the Headmistress and the Chair of Governing Council, before prizes were handed out for both academic and broader achievements. In line with tradition, the Benenden Angel Book was handed out to each departing Six Two.
At the end of the ceremony, leaving Head Girl Isla gave a moving speech, reflecting on her year group’s incredible time at the School, their resilience and the close sense of community they have built between themselves.Following the ceremony the Six Two Leavers crossed the threshold of the Floral Arch as per tradition, emerging as fully-fledged Benenden Seniors.