There were tears and laughter throughout the day on Friday 10th May as Year 11 students at saltash.net said an ‘official’ farewell to each other and to their teachers before the start of their GCSE exams on Monday 13th May. Although the students will still be coming into school for revision sessions, this was the last time the whole of the year group would be gathered together so everyone wanted to make sure it would be a day to remember. As has now become an annual tradition at saltash.net, the Year 11 students and their tutors arrived in school on the Friday morning in a superb array of fancy dress costumes, which just seem to become more inventive year on year. During morning tutor and registration time, the students were presented with their Year Books which gave everyone an opportunity to reflect on their time together at saltash.net over the past five years.
Lessons proceeded as normal up until period 4 when the whole year group gathered together in the school’s gym for a very big tea party! Teaching and support staff served tea and cakes and scones with jam and clotted cream to an appreciative student body. After an opportunity to write messages of good will and good luck in their Year Books, the students proceeded to the main hall for their final assembly. Led by Head of Year, Mark Feldwick, and Assistant Head of Year, Eileen Sloggett, the assembly focused on celebrating the many achievements and successes of the young people. Musical entertainment of the highest quality was provided by Flo Bonner, Joe Lang, Cameron Oakes, Jack Payne and Ronni Swan.
Speaking at the end of the day, Headteacher, Mrs Bryce, said, ‘It was a very emotional day. We are extremely proud of every one of the students in this year group and know they will be hugely successful this summer but it is never easy saying farewell to a Year 11 cohort. Fortunately many will be returning in our 6th Form but for those proceeding to college or apprenticeships we wish them all the very best for the future.”