Last Saturday provided the perfect ‘showcase day’ end to the academic year for Harrow, bringing an immensely productive and successful final term to a fanfare close. It was also the day for saying a final goodbye to our Upper Sixth leavers as they venture off to their universities of choice around the world. They are about to enter many of the world’s top-ranked institutions in the UK, North America and Hong Kong, to study courses from the likes of Fashion to Computer Science, English Literature to Physics, Sports Science to Art.
Prize Givings are a traditional institution within the very best British schools. It is the time when all of the many achievements of the pupils over the year are celebrated, the Upper Sixth leaving students and departing staff can be given a rapturous send-off, and prizes can be awarded to those pupils who have impressed most in terms of their academic achievement, their levels of progress, their high industry, their commitment to the wider life of the school, their leadership and other areas of school life. In essence, it is a celebration of what it means to be a ‘Harrovian’.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Tony Clemson – the British Deputy Consul General in Shanghai – spoke of his exciting career in the navy and in the British diplomatic service. He congratulated the school on the level of excellence it has achieved not only in terms of academic results, but also in the realms of leadership skills and the nurturing of values and attributes in our pupils that will set Harrovians apart from all others when they finally depart school.
The Head Master reflected on an excellent academic year and spoke of the excitement surrounding Harrow Shanghai’s future as a leading British school overseas which provides an education like no other. He also reflected on the new facilities being created over the summer break, including the new on-site sports astroturf pitch for our youngest Harrovians in Early Years and Pre-Prep.
Wonderful musical interludes from the children of the Early Years, Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools entertained the audience, including the very first performance of a new Harrow Shanghai school song written and composed by the pupils and staff.
Brining two iconic ‘Best of British’ names together, Harrow hosted Aston Martin at the event and the visitors enjoyed an opportunity to test drive a brand new DB11 around the campus! The ceremony ended with a superb alfresco champagne and canapes reception on the school’s rooftop garden allowing parents, staff and pupils to mix whilst toasting a superb year for Harrow.
The fun continued into the evening with a remarkable ‘black tie’ Leavers’ Dinner at the Peace Hotel overlooking the Bund.
