At the start of the summer term, the talents and dedication of all members of our school community were celebrated in our annual Prize Giving and Speech Night.  Governors, parents, staff, pupils and friends of Gunnersbury gathered in the school hall and we welcomed guest speaker, Paul Thompson (MBE), Chief Coach for the Team GB rowers for the London Olympics 2012, who presented the awards.  Speech Evening is the highlight of the school year and an opportunity for all members of the school community to reflect on the achievements of our school, our pupils, their parents and our hardworking and highly skilled staff. 

Father Gregory led us in our Opening Prayer and throughout the proceedings, the chamber choir and talented musicians from across all year groups performed a selection of pieces.  The school’s motto, ‘ad Altiora’ encapsulates our ethos of all students striving to achieve their utmost potential, in every aspect of their education.  In addressing the audience, our Headteacher, Mr Burke, reflected on how the school’s reputation has grown higher and reached further; Gunnersbury’s standing has enabled our students to have access to unique opportunities.  As our guest speaker took to the stage to present the evening’s awards, he spoke with admiration for the achievements of our students.  Mr Thompson first presented prizes to students who had successfully completed the Duke of Edinburgh Award.  Next, he presented awards for merit and academic achievement in the lower school, before congratulating the recipients of subject awards for GCSE, AS and A2 levels.  The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the school trophies and Mr Thompson spent time with each of the award winners to hear of their outstanding contributions to the life of our school.

Following a vote of thanks from our Headboy and Headgirl, Freddie Garrard and Zara Burton, the very special evening was rounded off with an amazing buffet and refreshments, kindly prepared and served by Gunnersbury parents.