School_Matters_Issue_35

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FINAL DAY OF LESSONS FOR UVI

2021 UVI leavers had one of the strangest and most difficult Sixth Form experiences in generations and I hope they feel that their final day served as a fitting celebration of the extraordinary strength of character which showed during their time at School. Unlike in previous years, this was not quite the final send off for our pupils because they would return to embark on the ‘Flourish’ programme but, nevertheless, the day marked the end of their A-level studies, and the festivities were fulsome! Pupils chose the theme ‘The 90s’ for their fancy dress and arrived in a host of outfits that took several of us down memory lane. From a full set of Spice Girls to Jurassic Park dinosaurs, via Ali G and Liam Gallagher, the costumes were superb. At break time, pupils met on the Orchard for a Tug of War. Younger pupils looked on with glee as the Sixth Form took on the Staff in a fierce battle. Despite a sterling effort from the Staff who gave their all (in slippery-soled, smart shoes), the Sixth Form was victorious. At lunchtime, pupils headed ‘over the road’ in the pouring rain for a water fight. Some pupils arrived with impressively sophisticated water guns, while others defended themselves with plastic cups full of water! All the pupils then covered themselves in neon holi powder and what a sight they were to behold! After much discussion of how best to preserve the tie-dye effect on their clothes, pupils headed to the showers to get warm and dry off. The catering staff then put on a superb BBQ that was enjoyed by all in the comfort of Roberts Hall. A ‘90s soundtrack put together by the Head Boy provided the backdrop and the day rounded off with a PowerPoint display of our UVI when they were much younger. We were so proud of the way in which the UVI approached the day, and much fun was had by pupils and staff alike. Ms Rachel Palmer, Head of Sixth Form

PVI CUPCAKE DAY PVI pupils were able to celebrate their final day of mandatory lessons with a special presentation featuring images of their last five years expertly put together by Mr Russell Collins, Head of PVI, cupcakes and shirt signing on the Terrace and fun on the Orchard. It has been a remarkable journey for this cohort, and it was wonderful to be able to reflect on their time at School. They had to show great resilience when lockdowns impacted their GCSE studies, and they faced much uncertainty as the politicians deliberated on how they were going to be graded. To their credit they stuck steadfastly to the task of learning and came up trumps. Well done on a wonderful day, PVI!