The willingness of pupils to embrace new challenges positively was a key theme in this year’s Speech Day and Prize-Giving at Monmouth School Girls’ Prep.
Headteacher, Mrs Hilary Phillips, spoke about the power of yet, a growth mindset in which the girls are encouraged to seek challenges and become even more engaged when faced with obstacles.
In a newly-introduced creative curriculum, with numeracy and literacy skills remaining as the bedrock, the girls have taken on a theme for the year and enjoyed a range of new trips and activities.
And, in Friday’s annual event, the changes have paid off with Mrs Phillips reflecting on a successful year in music and sport, in particular.
Under the direction of Music teacher, Mr Mike Steer, the girls excelled at a music festival in Hereford, winning a host of top prizes.
And the girls carried on the success in the sporting arena where, for the first time, they even took part in a national skiing competition.
Looking back at the outstanding sporting opportunities on offer, the fearless girls from Inglefield won gold and bronze medals in national swimming competitions.
The girls also achieved sporting triumphs in triathlon, fencing, Welsh and national level trampolining, aquathlon, equestrian, cricket and athletics.
Mr Sheridan Swallow, The Master of the Worshipful Company of Haberdashers, was guest speaker and handed out prizes to pupils in Years 3 to 6 for an array of outstanding achievements.
Mr Swallow championed the Haberdashers’ family of schools, in which pupils start their journey at Monmouth Schools Pre-Prep and Nursery before moving on to Monmouth School Girls’ Prep.
A keen fisherman, Mr Swallow likened the children’s journey through the schools to that of a salmon in the Wye Valley, growing and becoming stronger in a beautiful and thriving part of the country.
He thanked parents and grandparents in the audience, many of whom had been educated in Monmouth, themselves.
He encouraged the girls to continue to work hard, and to seize the opportunities on offer as they grow and develop in the Haberdashers’ family.
There were loud cheers as Mather Jackson celebrated winning the coveted House Cup.
There was wonderful entertainment provided by dedicated musicians, including violinist Joana, the school’s Blue Riband winner, and beautiful singing from the choirs.
A rendition of When the Boat Comes In, a traditional folk song from the North-East, raised plenty of smiles as did Hall of the Fame (The Script) which was led by pupils, Daisy and Isobel.
The Whole School Choir’s lovely version of The Beatles’ Octopus’s Garden provided a fitting finale to proceedings.
