This year at Speech Day our special guest and presenter of prizes, is ex-QEGS student Max Jeffery.

Max will be speaking to us about his memories of his time at QEGS and where his career took him afterwards. I know he has had many challenges and successes and I am looking forward to hearing his story and his advice for our students.

We recently hosted a political debate at sixth form and the group of political representatives who visited the school echoed what we always say at QEGS. Your education is about so much more than just your grades! We all agreed that grades are just one indicator and they are important – but so are skills such as teamwork, problem solving, debating, listening, caring, empathising, being resilient and helping others. These are skills which few if any, exams assess, and these skills are often put to the test in everyday life – in work, in relationships and in friendship. The exams we sat at 16, 18 and 21 will have been good challenges but nothing as tough as understanding people and making your own decisions in life.

The political representatives may have agreed on that – but then The Green Party, Labour, Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform all got a real grilling from our Yr13s! It was a great debate and a great experience for all involved.

On to student successes. Once again, this year we saw many talents on show at many school events. A great example of this was the ‘Oscar’s film night’ organised by Miss Tilley and Mr Payne. The Creative and Digital Media students showcased their own short films in the Elite cinema in Ashbourne. It was a spectacular evening whilst our thoughts and prayers were with the Illsley family during that week, we know Mr Illsley would have been very proud of the talent on show and how the course he set up is flourishing.

Here is sample of what was on show at the QEGS Oscars.

We end this year on a high, with a new spacious and modern Food Technology room, the Old Technology block getting a face lift (now that the bat survey has given us the green light to progress), great sporting achievements, The Adams Family school show was awesome and I sure the West Side Story in March will be too! Last week we had over 1000 xmas jumpers on show to support children’s charities and this week we had the final to our lunchtime football tournament with Spalden coming out winners. We have so many students who want to get involved in whatever we offer and they give their time, effort and money to any good cause we promote –  thank you!

Thank you to the sponsors of the new prizes and to all sponsors for the financial support you give each year. This year we have new prizes in the Anne Martin Prize for Leadership. Anne Martin our CEO retires tomorrow! She has been a key part of our school’s development and the establishment and growth of our trust, QEGSMAT. Anne has worked in a variety of schools and will continue to support leaders in education going forward. She also has some holidays booked and some ‘me time’ in pursuing her interests in embroidery and other creative talents. We want to say thank you Anne for all of your support and we have a small gift for you from us all.

As we end 2024, we also take time to remember those who have passed including former colleagues and supporters of the school: Gail Wells former colleague, Doreen Wheatcroft ex-student and key member of the Ashburnians and finally James Illsley former colleague whose funeral is tomorrow with over 20 colleagues and many students in attendance. They each gave so much to this school and made students’ lives better because of their commitment, and they will always be remembered.

I want to thank the students, staff and the whole community for continuing to support each other and for showing that they really do care. I feel honoured to be the headteacher of this school. Let’s hope that 2025 is another amazing year.

Have a fantastic, festive, family break.

Take care.

Thank you.

Mr S Garrity
Headteacher