An audience of alumni, parents, students and staff enjoyed Wilson’s School’s Annual Prize Giving ceremony on Tuesday evening in the John Jenkins Hall. This important annual occasion celebrates the achievements of current and former students, and also forms an important part of the traditions of the school. As Mr Cole noted in his welcome, academic achievement for all was at the heart of Edward Wilson’s vision for the school; however, the prizes awarded also celebrate service to the community and kindness to peers, as well as honouring the legacy of former pupils and staff.

The evening began with a rousing performance from Chamber Wind of Crown Imperial by Walton, a suitably grand style for the occasion. We heard reports on football, where Antony D. particularly entertained us with his account of football in the youngest years in the school. The clarinet ensemble treated us to the jaunty Caprice for Clarinets by Grundman, adding a suitably light-hearted tone to the evening.

An entertaining report on drama reminded us of the successes of How To Succeed in Business WIthout Really Trying and Road. Nicolas also encouraged us to book soon to see the latest from Senior Drama: Little Shop of Horrors, coming to the JJ Hall in February. Benjy filled us in on the highs and lows (particularly as influenced by the weather) of his experiences of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award.

Our Guest of Honour for the evening, John Collomosse B.S.c Ph.D CEng, and OW (banner photo, top), captivated the audience through his experience of working In the study of AI. Given many of our students’ interest in the field of computing, Professor Collomosse’s advice on the field of AI and, more broadly, the courage to fail, was particularly relevant. The stack of floppy disks which Prof Collomosse used to illustrate his talk perhaps appealed more to the older contingent in the audience...

A report on the evening must, of course, cover the most important individuals present: our prize winners. We were pleased to welcome back so many OWs from the class of 2023 to receive their well-deserved awards for academic, sporting and personal successes. Alongside our most recent alumni, students from Years 8–13 were awarded Form, Subject and Special Prizes, including the Rishi Beri Service to School prize, awarded to Samuel (Year Eight), named for Rishi Beri, who sadly passed away during his time at Wilson’s. We were proud to honour the legacy of Kamaljit Gill in the Kamalji Gill Trophy for Charitable Service, awarded to Aravindh Baskar (OW). All prize winners should feel proud of their success. The evening closed with the Vote of Thanks from Jerome, current School Captain. Congratulations to all prize winners and many thanks to all those who worked tirelessly to organise this special occasion.