The Island’s largest school held its annual prizegiving ceremony at the Villa Marina today. <br /><br />Invited guests included the Mayor of Douglas, Cllr David Ashford, the Bishop and the Chief Constable. Chair of Governors Mrs Gill Skinner welcomed the special guests, parents, staff and students and noted that there is not a venue on the Isle of Man large enough to accommodate the whole school for such an event. Two year groups remained in school: the new Year 7 because they have not yet won prizes, and the GCSE students who are using the opportunity for extra study. Mrs Skinner gave a particular welcome to Alison Gomme, who was the Guest of Honour. Mrs Gomme is governor of the Isle of Man prison.<br /><br />In her annual report, Adrienne Burnett, Headteacher, spoke of the challenges of striving for continual improvement against a difficult financial background. The school had had to show resourcefulness and resilience, demonstrating the qualities she wished to encourage in her students. ‘Make no mistake; hard times are hard work,’ stated the headteacher. Mrs Burnett thanked the government for providing ‘carefully targeted’ investment in building works to meet the current needs of students and the greater need in the very near future. She pointed out that only ten out of 870 Manx students gained jobs on leaving school at 16 last year: the need for an educated workforce has never been greater.<br /><br />Mrs Burnett praised the response of her teachers to the national ‘debacle’ of the GCSE results last summer, when grade boundaries were suddenly raised. Extra classes are being offered from seven in the morning, along with after-school sessions, to help ensure that the current GCSE students do not suffer as so many did this year. The staff were giving of their time voluntarily, and without financial reward, because of their commitment to their students.<br />In a review of sporting, artistic and academic success in the last year, the headteacher made special mention of the five students accepted for medical courses, a 99.5% pass-rate at Advanced level and a 99% pass-rate at GCSE. She praised the dedication, determination and leadership shown by her staff both in the classrooms and laboratories, and in after-school clubs and activities.<br /><br />Mrs Burnett paid tribute to Head of the Arts Faculty, Mrs Christian, who has retired after forty-one years service, leaving a marvellous legacy. She spoke movingly of former headteacher Ian Masterton, who passed away this year. His positive influence could still be felt in school.<br />In thanking the governing body, Mrs Burnett expressed her gratitude to the retiring members Mr Bevan, Mr Woodford, Mrs Kissack and Mrs Frankwick. She welcomed new appointees Mrs Brereton and Dr Allinson-Cook.<br /><br />Mrs Burnett concluded her report by thanking parents for their support and complimenting the students who were keen to learn and to compete, whose efforts were to be recognised with well-deserved prizes and trophies, and she looked forward to honouring their achievements. <br />Guest of Honour Alison Gomme gave an interesting talk on the theme of ‘being the best you can’. She spoke about the ways in which new opportunities for careers have opened up, particularly for women, and encouraged her audience to ‘think big’ and to set themselves challenging goals.<br /><br />The speeches and presentations were enlivened by several musical items, featuring musicians and singers from every year group, and a stunning performance by Francesca Glover of ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story. Mrs Skinner concluded by thanking all concerned, and offering seasonal greetings in Manx and English.<br />Attached images:<br />1.&nbsp;Mrs Gill Skinner, Chair of Governors, Mrs Alison Gomme, Guest of Honour and Mrs Adrienne Burnett, Headteacher.<br />2.&nbsp;Francesca Glover, Prize-winner and solo singer.