Year 11 Leavers' Day
Our Year 11 students finished school this Tuesday, heading off on Exam Leave. We wish them the very best of luck for all that lies ahead, and do hope to welcome back in September those who have chosen Pate's Sixth Form as their next steps in education; and for those who are looking at other options, we do hope you will keep in touch - remember, "once a Patesian, always a Patesian!"
Along with the traditional shirt signing and excitement of their final day, Year 11 students were treated to a special assembly, led by their Head of Year Ms Ouellette. A student from each Form spoke on behalf of their Tutor group and fabulous photo slideshows reflected on the student's five year journey at Pate's.
Rudra, who gave the speech of thanks for Beaufort (11B), reflected,
"2021 to 2026. Five of our most memorable years spent here, with the people around us.
When I first joined, I came from a school with 700 students to a school double in size and double in height. I sat in the front row in form. I became form rep. I talked too much. That's my story, others may have come from a small school of 150, been the tallest in the year, sat at the back, and been shy. But, at the end an era, we have all come together, we have all grown, changed, hopefully learnt something, which I don't think is possible without the people in this room. From the teachers, to those next to you in the seating plan, who probably ended up distracting you in French, more than was wise.
When we think of the past 5 years we think of school events, where we had the best skeletons, or a gentry that was incomparable, time on the fields in the sun, where the last leg of a centuries-old rivalry will be resolved today. But one thing we might sometimes miss is something that has been a pillar for us, through all 5 years, something that has always been there... Our Form. I think I speak for many when I say that our Forms are where our school ties were first made, and since have been rooted firmer than buttress roots.
11B has been a joy to be a part of, from Year 7; the memories made will stick with us for a long time. Our House Officials have been great, as well as our Heads of Houses - a heartfelt thank you, and to our amazing Form Tutor Miss Gardner. An anchor for our Form, with whom we have enjoyed many mornings together, as well as many sweet treats - a huge thank you."
To the entire year group, Ms Ouellette said,
"When I came to Pate’s, I worked for a year in the Sixth Form. I loved it. At the end of the year Dr Richardson suggested I take another year group. I really wasn’t sure. The problem is he offered you. And I knew at least one class of this year group: my then Year 9s. The problem was, I loved teaching that class. They were a golden class. The type you look forward to teaching always. Much as I loved Sixth Form, I really loved teaching you.
As I was thinking about it all, I had a cover lesson with a different class of you lot. I began to discover what I now know: you weren’t one golden class, you were an entire golden year.
There are so many things I appreciate about you. Year 11 you are so funny. So clever; so fiercely intelligent. You are curious. You’ve asked me SUCH hard questions. You challenge me in all the best ways. My days are made so much better for my interactions with you. My days are made better for all your amazing contributions to House events. To your contributions to sport. To your contributions to culture of this school.
Year 11, you have an indomitable spirit. And your spirits will remain - I am sure - indomitable in the weeks to come and we will celebrate it all being over together at prom!
It remains for me to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to you Year 11s. It has not just been a privilege to be your Head of Year. It has been fun and a real joy. You head off on study leave when you go today; we wish you the best of luck."
