wellington college yearbook 19/20
SPEECH DAY 2020
As the Master said, he knew that Wellington was a special place before the Covid-19 crisis, but the College’s response since has confirmed that Wellingtonians will always rise to the challenge. The virtual provision in the classroom has been magnificent, but what has really impressed has been the range of academic extension and cocurricular activities on offer, with over 150 clubs, societies, and opportunities available; the concept of a holistic Wellington education remains as alive and vibrant as ever. Charlie and Issie spoke about the personal journeys that they had enjoyed at Wellington and, drawing on the metaphor of a blank canvas, explored how all in their year group had painted the most magnificent, colourful, and unique pictures during their time.
Although the Big Top (seating 4,000) was replaced by thousands of individual screens, Speech Day still delivered its customary mix of style, sparkle, and sheer entertainment. As the strains of the school song (taken from the 2012 Albert Hall recording) beamed across the ether, it was clear that Speech Day this year was going to be a celebration not only of this academic year, but also just what it is that defines a Wellington education. Our Heads of College, Issie Thorneycroft and Charlie Bradbury, introduced proceedings and what followed was a beguiling mix of the old and the new. The much anticipated Master’s Entrance Video was there of course, featuring Sheriff James Dahl riding into College to impose new standards of law and order, as was the formal welcome from the Duke of Kent in what was to be his 50th Speech Day as President. Despite the seeming limitations of the virtual medium, we enjoyed stunning performances from the College Choir, the Wellington Dance Company with an inventively choreographed Chandelier, and the orchestra (with no fewer than 60 players on screen simultaneously), showing not only great musicality, but also stunning cohesion. The Wellingtones, as breath-taking as ever, put their unique mark on You are the Reason, while the Global Citizenship video tugged at the heartstrings as it confirmed the vital work of the Wellington outreach programme and its commitment to social responsibility.
The incoming Heads of College then read the citation for the Queens Medal which were then presented to Charlie and Issie, before Wellington’s first virtual Speech Day was brought to a close with a poignant rendition of We’ll Meet Again, a sentiment most dear to all Wellingtonians, both past and present.
Prize-winners were recognised, their achievements broadcast against backdrops of College Art and Sport, the musical accompaniment real proof of the range and professionalism of Wellington’s creativity. Recorded speeches from Peter Mallinson (Chairman of Governors) and the Duke of Wellington himself, leant style and solemnity to the occasion, but it was the words of The Master — James Dahl, and the Heads of College that lingered longest.
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