Speech Day & Prize-Giving 2023

Speech Day marked the conclusion of another productive and enriching year at Davenies as the School community looked back at the year gone by, welcoming climate change activist, Nick Hollis, to share in the celebrations.

As ever, it was the perfect opportunity to reflect on the on the boys’ enthusiasm for learning in all its guises, having made the most of myriad opportunities, in and out of the classroom. Both the Chair of Governors and the Headmaster spoke about the boys’ progress – whether in the classroom, on the sports pitch, in a musical ensemble, on the stage, as part of the Eco Council, in performing charitable acts, in showing kindness and compassion to others, or as a Senior Leader – highlighting that there has been a plethora of subjects, activities and pastimes for the boys to embrace throughout the academic year 2022/23. Head Boy, Caspar, spoke of his gratitude – for being Head Boy, for the help he has been by afforded by his Deputies during his leadership, and for the opportunities provided during his time at Davenies.

Year 2 gave a fantastic rendition of ‘All My Friends’ and, after prizes were awarded, Year 8 Rock Band got the audience up on their feet to really rock out.

Climate change activist and seven summit mountaineer, Nick Hollis, joined the School as guest speaker, retelling his stories of adventure and adversity, really linking to the School’s language of learning which encourages the boys to be courageous, curious, enthusiastic, persevering and reflective. He also touched on the School’s motto (each striving for the good of all) and how we can all make a positive impact on the environment, detailing his work for the World Land Trust.

To conclude the celebrations, Year 8 were treated to the moment they had waited for: a look back on their time at Davenies through song and picture. From their humble beginnings in Reception, all the way to their endeavours in Year 8, it was heartening to see how much our leavers had grown, both in height and self-development. We wish them, and all our leavers, all the best in their lives after Davenies, and we look forward to welcoming them back as Old Davenians in the not-too-distant future.