Hallfield School Speech and Prize Giving Day 2024

Our annual Speech and Prize Giving Day brings the Hallfield community together in celebration of the pupils’ achievements and our incredible school.

The platform party entered the hall to a lively rendition of “Oh Happy Day” by Edwin Hawkins. Once seated Year 1 and 2 kicked off vocal performances with Living and Learning by Mark & Helen Johnson (1998 © Out of the Ark Ltd) and Keep on Smiling by Jane Carr (2017 © Out of the Ark Ltd).

“Wonderful, uplifting performances” is how Mr Guy Ralphs; Chair of Governors applauded the children’s performances from Year 1 to Year 8. He then went on to highlight pupil achievement, affirming that 90% of pupils achieved their first choice of secondary school, with a special nod to the 28% that received scholarships.

Following Mr Ralphs’ introduction and opening remarks, Mr Morrow made his address, this year with a self-written poem humorously titled: Another Year Has Passed, By Mr K B Morrow, Aged 53 ¾ that beautifully captured the last academic year in all its glory.

Read Mr Morrow’s poem

Introducing our Head children

The head children then took to the stage and gave heartfelt accounts of their time at Hallfield. The common thread was that Hallfield to them was very much a home away from home, a place that provides opportunities and experiences.

Then the announcement of the new House Captains and Head Children came. The hall was still and poised to attention. Congratulations to the following children in their leadership roles.

“Never forget how to play”

It was then time for our honorary guest, Dr Andy Cope to speak to the audience. Dr Andy Cope is a wellbeing expert, best-selling author and recovering academic.

An expert in delivering inspirational keynotes on wellbeing, leadership, resilience and change to audiences around the world with simplicity and humour. Professionals, children and families alike benefit from his words of wisdom and inspiration to live and find happiness in the moment and mundanity of our every day.

He has written multiple books that have topped the self-help and business charts. He is also a children’s author selling over a million copies of his spy dog series.

Andy’s speech was nothing short of energetic, inspiring and thoughtful. “WOW” is how he described Hallfield School and his experience of it over the few days he had spent with us: “Pupils: WOW, staff: WOW, facilities: WOW!”

Dr Andy’s message was to never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot be, what you can and cannot aspire to. And his second was for the children to not rush through childhood – savour every moment and never forget how to play!