Events: Year 11 Prom 2007

Having swash buckled their way through five years of high school and sweated through a summer of GCSE examinations it was high time Year 11, "the very best year group"™, had a little fun! Welcome to the story of Prom Night 2007...

A dedicated team, affectionately known as 'Prom Comm', had been working hard all year under the supervision of Mrs. Allard to surpass all previous efforts and I am delighted to say they succeeded. My thanks go therefore to Lauren, Rebecca, Emily, Jade, Roxy, and of course Mrs. Allard for a memorable night.

The evening kicked off at 7.30 when the promenaders (making up an impressive 84% of the year group) made some show stopping entrances to a gasping crowd of well-wishers. Jade and Nathan looked resplendent as they arrived early, soon to be followed by a host of incredible chariots: limousines, porsches, police vehicles, fire engines, ferraris, and in one case even a tractor... Kat stole the limelight, however, arriving side-saddle on her trusty steed. It was especially nice to see so many parents, grandparents, siblings, teachers, and key stage three students present... and for the rain to keep its distance! My thanks to all of you for your support.

Upon disembarking their chariots the promenaders were entreated to a celebrity style photo shoot with Ms. Chapman, the results of which will be made available on exam results day. It has to be said, however, that although all students looked resplendent and at times unrecognisable in their glitzy clobber (Harry and Jake!) a couple of outfits really stole the show: how could we forget Jess's green dress, Tom's blue hair, and Billy and Rob's kilts fully furnished with sporrans!?! As a year group they truly were a sight to behold and I for one felt very proud to see the smart, intelligent, well rounded adults they have clearly become. Anyway, I digress...

Students then entered the (now unrecognisable!) canteen which had been transformed into a Cinderella style ball via the red carpet and engaged in a spot of celebrity posing by a beautiful flower-woven arch. And why not? Particularly fame-struck promenaders included Annie and Rebecca who gave it the full Oscar treatment. Once inside, balloons spelt out the importance of the evening, the stage looked beautiful, and the spread was incredible – I was particularly impressed with Emily's 'basketed' tomatoes and Mrs. Darling's chocolate-coated strawberries.

All that was left was to have a dance and Keir Slater's excellent DJ set soon had everyone up for a dance – including the staff. Jess got stuck in a silver balloon. Ruth found a dancing partner. And Jonathan made a new friend. What a great night!

Once again, thank you to Prom Comm and especially Mrs. Allard but also to all the other staff who helped out – Mrs. Todd, Mrs. Darling, Mr. Stocks, Mr. McMorris, Mr. Ahrenfelt, Mr. Uddin, Miss Philpott, Miss. Battersby, Mr. O'Brien, Miss. Hamer, Miss Carey, Miss. Baldwin, and of course Mr. Peters.

It was a fitting tribute to the Class of 2007. Most importantly, however, well done to all the promenaders for making it such a special atmosphere. You deserved nothing less and I hope you can find space in your leavers' books for some of the photographs below.

It seems fitting to conclude with Hazel's words on the night of the Prom – "I wish tonight would never end"

Best wishes Year 11

Mr. Guiney