Speech Day celebration of students’ success
The grand surroundings of the Stockport Plaza played host to the 2023 Senior School Speech Day as the school community came together to celebrate a year of success at SGS.
Outgoing Chair of the Governing Body Mr Chris Dunn delivered the opening address to the packed-out crowd at the Grade II* listed art deco theatre.
The Big Band entertained with their performances of Eddie Vinson’s ‘Kidney Stew Blues’ and the ‘Theme From Family Guy’ before the prizes for the year were presented by the Guest Speaker, Dr Matt Pritchard.
The Head Dr Paul Owen offered the final Speech Day statement of his tenure before his retirement and he captured the audience’s attention with tales from his school days and the importance of pupils exhibiting zest instead of apathy.
Dr Pritchard, a Science magician and a Curator of Wonder, thrilled the crowd with his address thanks to his creative delivery and passion for simplifying the complex.
Matt, who is an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle – one of only 300 people in the world to hold this distinction – also astounded children and adults alike when he showed them a number of his tricks.
The Prime Warden of the Goldsmiths’ Company, Charles Mackworth-Young CVO presented the Heads of School, Ella Glazier and Charlie Harrison with Gold medals specially commissioned by the Goldsmiths’ Company. The Prime Warden was joined on the stage by Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Gerry Yeung.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Old Stopfordian President Mrs Krishanthi Carfrae.
Ahead of the event in the Plaza, the school hosted a lunch in the Hallam Hall and following the conclusion of Speech Day, family members of award winners and of the Upper Sixth Form leavers were offered drinks and nibbles in a reception in the new Sixth Form centre.
