PUBLISHED 20 May 2022
It’s been two years since we’ve been able to enjoy a Year 13 Celebration Evening in the Hall and Kevin Maund, Head of Sixth Form, made sure it was one to remember.
The Chamber Choir opened the event, before Headmaster, David Harrow, gave the opening address. He shared his advice to the students, including, “…trust your experience … eat your frog … and enjoy this moment...”.
Our guest speaker, Governor, Old Lidunian and AKS parent, Gary Melling, then shared his reflections on having sat in the same hall as a student himself, twenty-five years ago to listen to the speeches at the King Edward VII School’s Founders’ Day. He passed on the advice he’d heard at that event to our Class of 2022: “…to take every opportunity you can, as you never know where things are going to lead you”.
After a beautiful piano solo by Alicia, the students were presented with their leaving gifts. Kevin Maund, Head of Sixth Form, then gave his much-awaited round-up of the Class of 2022 and their time in Senior School and Sixth Form. He had plundered the school’s photo archive to show the students through the years, narrating the footage to comedic effect, but also showing the clear affection and warmth between staff and students. There were ‘ahhs’ and chuckles from the audience as they saw their Year 7 selves smile and speak enthusiastically for the camera.
The summary of the group’s time in Sixth Form, included a disco-inspired photo montage of this year’s Headmaster’s Dinner; as well as footage of them in action across the breadth of activities they have been involved in, including: academics, sport, performing arts, AKS Action, Amnesty International, Round Square, Vent and the Tycoons in Schools teams.
Before the final video montage, set to the soundtrack of Sweet Caroline, he thanked the students, Heads of School and Senior Prefects for their contributions, noting, “You’ve left very big shoes to fill”. Celebrations continued with a drinks reception for students on the front lawn of the school.