Celebration of Minster Pupils’ Successes

Students past and present attended the annual Prizegiving ceremony at the Minster School in Southwell last month.

They were supported by governors, members of staff and their families to celebrate their considerable successes, not only in examinations but as significant contributors to the life of the school and the wider community.

This year’s examination results have once again reflected the considerable efforts of the students, supported by staff and families. 83% of students in Year 11 achieved at least five good passes, including English and Maths. At ‘A’ Level the school achieved some of its best ever results with an average of grade B across the subjects and 50% of students achieving at least 2 A* – B grades.

Mr Matthew Parris, Head Teacher, addressed the prize winners and guests, giving a report of the school year with stories of successes, challenges and student pursuits beyond the classroom. He said: “It is a particular pleasure to welcome back our leavers at Prizegiving before they depart for universities across the nation, this year including, Cambridge, Durham, Birmingham, Imperial College and the London School of Economics.”

The Prizes and awards were presented by guest speaker Marcus Farnsworth, an ex-student of the Minster School and former chorister at Southwell Minster. Marcus studied music at the University of Manchester, graduating with a first class honours degree. He is an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music, London where he completed his studies in 2011, and is a renowned baritone, performing widely on the international stage with recent highlights including performances with the English National Opera and a Radio 3 broadcast of Carmina Burana.

Locally Marcus is perhaps best known as the founder and artistic director of the Southwell Music Festival and we look forward to his reflections.

Prizegiving at the Minster School also celebrates the wider contributions of students to the rich life of the school. Prizes for younger students recognise their efforts as young citizens and there were awards for efforts in the community. These additional facets of the Minster School certainly make it a uniquely engaging community.

For a full list of Prizewinners please see page 29 of the October paper