Ghyll Royd Pupils, parents, staff and governors gathered in the school’s multipurpose hall on Friday 13th July to celebrate the end of another brilliant school year. After being welcomed in by the sound of Form 3’s recorder playing, the celebration afternoon was opened by Ghyll Royd School’s Chair of Governors, Mr Phil Stephenson.
Mr Stephenson gave the following speech to sum up the year:
“Good afternoon Ghyll Royd children, staff and parents. It’s always a pleasure when I get to visit Ghyll Royd as I get to see all the wonderful things you’ve been up to that I’ve heard so much about. I join you on a phenomenal week of sporting achievements. From last week’s brilliant sports day to three fixtures this week resulting three more cup wins for the school – a very well done to you all. As a School, this year you have won leagues and trophies in Rounders, Cricket, Swimming, Netball and Football. I’d like to highlight the work of the Ghyll Royd girls football team who won their first ever football trophy this year, six years after the first girls team was created – a fantastic achievement and very well done. Individual merits in extracurricular clubs including golf, ballet, cycling and swimming must also be mentioned – well done to you.
In art, the work you have created in your lessons this year has been incredible. Some of you began Digital Art lessons with Mrs Smith and have made a great start working with new technologies. The ceramic lighthouses, your printed kilts and the beautiful, giant feltwork by Forms 1 and 2 are particularly innovative and creative pieces that you should be proud to have produced. Some of your work was submitted to the ISA Regional and National Art Competitions as well as the Wharfedale Art Competition hosted here in October and has received awards, prizes and commendations – a brilliant achievement for such young, talented children.
Touching more on the Arts, the level of your ability in your performances are to such a high standard for children your age. I’ve been told about your high marks in Music exams, scholarships to dance and drama schools, and heard about your standout performances in your shows and concerts. Your fantastic teachers are an extremely talented bunch too who come to work everyday ready to bring out the very best in you all so thank you teachers.
In April, Mel from the Woodland Trust came to visit and found out about how much Ghyll Royd School pupils enjoy outdoor learning. From your forest school lessons, to bushcraft activities with Mark Parry and Vicky Wood – a lot of time is spent outside at this school which is something Mr Martin and the staff are big believers in. Your dedication to outdoor learning and the exciting lessons and activities that take place on your school grounds have resulted in Ghyll Royd being awarded Gold status in the Green Tree Schools Awards.
This year academically Form 6 have worked extremely hard, well done to those of you who sat entrance exams, and well done to the children who took part in the SATs exams in May and to Mrs Marshall to achieve a 100% pass rate for the fourth year running.
On behalf of myself, the rest of the school, staff, parents and governors, I’d like to wish you every success in your next stage as you start secondary school in September. Looking forward to next year we intend to build on the record numbers of children that we have seen in Early Years and throughout the school. To parents, I wish to express my appreciation of your active contributions towards your child’s education.
Today is a great day both to you and to your child. I am sure that this graduation ceremony will stay in your child’s memory as well as yours forever. I would also like to congratulate Mr Martin and the teaching staff on their efforts and contributions in promoting the development and education of our young children. To all the Year 6 graduates, once again, my warmest congratulations on your achievements in Ghyll Royd School. May I wish you every success in your future studies.
Thank you.”
Below you can watch clips from the Year 6 leavers speeches and performances. Enjoy!
Conveniently situated on the A65 between Ben Rhydding, Ilkley and Burley in Wharfedale, Ghyll Royd School, Pre-School and Nursery is ideally located for families living in or commuting to the surrounding cities, towns and villages of Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, Burley in Wharfedale, Addingham, Menston, Guiseley, Baildon, Bingley, Otley, Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, Skipton and Keighley.
