Parents, pupils, faculty and alumni enjoyed unusually clement weather in Castletown last Saturday as hundreds gathered to take part in the annual Founders’ Day. Set in a marquee on the King William’s College grounds, the annual prize giving ceremony is a traditional celebration of students’ academic and extracurricular achievements and this year featured a much anticipated presentation by former Isle of Man resident Sir David Barnes CBE, whose grandfather bought the Calf of Man to stop it being developed and gave it to the Manx people. Sir David was also enjoying the visit as an opportunity to visit his relatives on the Island.

Governors’ Chairman, Nigel Wood, opened the ceremony with a brief welcome address before introducing the Principal at King William’s, Martin Humphreys. Mr Humphreys offered a tour d’horizon during which he shared some thoughts on the challenges ahead and the College’s vision for the future. Mr Humphreys continued with a contemplation of the changing face of education in what he termed the ‘second digital revolution’ and the proposed impact of increased internet connectivity upon the traditional classroom.

“We do indeed live in a world of unprecedented change, but history repeats itself, and there are lessons to be learned”, he enthused. “We tend to imagine that our change is the fastest of all, the most fundamental, the most seismic, the most all-encompassing but the great thing is that the young take it all in their stride.  To them change is the new norm. Founders’ Day is for reflection and recognition.  We look ahead with confidence and celebrate the myriad achievements of College girls and College boys.  Theirs will be a rapidly changing world, but I am confident that the internationalism on offer here – not least the great breadth and flexibility of the IB - will give them the tools to flourish.”

Following a brief introduction from Mr Humphreys, Deputy Head of King William’s College, Jane Corlett, announced the names of the College pupils to whom Sir David Barnes CBE presented this year’s awards. Sir David then furnished the audience with a spirited address which outlined familial links to the Isle of Man, his experience of national service during the Malayan Emergency, his role as a leading entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry and the many charitable and voluntary appointments which resulted in his being awarded honours as diverse as a CBE, Knight Bachelorhood, Honorary Membership of the British Veterinary Association and Centenary Medal of The Society of the Chemical Industry.

Perhaps most notable, however, was Sir David’s emphasis upon the importance of ambition, aspiration, energy and the role of what he fondly referred to as ‘bounded anarchy’ within today’s education and professional systems. “It is my experience and belief that there is a great quantum of stored energy in each and every one of us. Aspiration is the trigger that will release that energy” Sir David began. “I dare say that your Principal may feel that he presides over bounded anarchy every day”

“I hope he does”, Sir David continued: “for, in my opinion, that is what a first rate education is about: encouraging aspiration, discovering that stored energy in each individual and its constructive and formative release, the instillation of enthusiasm and commitment.  It has been a great privilege for me to give this Founders’ Day address. May good luck and good fortune go with you as you voyage into the future.”

Bringing the day’s proceedings to a close, Mr Nigel Wood returned to the stage to offer the audience some concluding remarks which emphasised King William’s College’s commitment to providing a first class independent education to the Island and to offering choice, individuality, breadth and an outstanding preparation for the next step on the educational journey.  Mr Wood then elaborated upon a series of objectives, recently circulated to the Barrovian Foundation, College Friends and Alumni, which include sustaining academic standards, providing excellent pastoral care, providing a diverse extra-curricular programme, strengthening admissions and ensuring a continuous programme of investment, amongst others. “This year is all about our development, which has new direction and purpose”, he assured the audience. “It is truly revitalised and we are focused on a massive project to identify and engage with our whole community. It is a statement of what we are, where we are going and how we are going to get there. John F. Kennedy once said “those who look only to the past or the present will surely miss the future”. Ladies and gentlemen this school will not miss the future, we will embrace it. Let us make a new beginning now and set the scene for the next 50 years.”

In closing, Mr Humphreys returned to thank Sir David, guests, pupils and parents for their attendance and achievements over the course of the academic year before announcing, with considerable regret, the retirement of Mrs Barbara van Rhyn, Head of English at King William’s College for 10 years.

“It is with mixed feelings of celebration and regret that I announce the retirement of our longstanding Head of English, or as we all know her, Mrs. Van Rhyn. I will miss the company of a dedicated and inspiring individual, a true educator who goes above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the school. Mrs. Van Rhyn took a persistent and personal interest in the development of each and every one of her pupils over the years and for this she was loved by faculty and student body alike. On behalf of the entire King William’s community, I would like to wish Mrs van Rhyn farewell and a long, happy and anarchy free retirement.”
 
Photo - King William’s College Principal Martin Humphreys pictured with Sir David Barnes CBE