On Wednesday evening, BGS and the wider community enjoyed a wonderful evening in the beautiful marquee setting within the school grounds. The Prize Giving evening celebrated the success of the girls, who have gone above and beyond this year, prizes ranged from Academic Excellence to the most prestigious accolade, the School Dux.

A lively and full marquee saw all prize-winners, governors, trustees and teachers in attendance, with Dr Anna Ploszajski, who is an award-winning materials scientist, engineer and communicator. Anna, who left Dame Alice Harpur School in 2009, went on to study Materials Science at the University of Oxford (2009-2013) and has recently completed her engineering doctorate at University College London in hydrogen storage materials. In 2017, she was honoured as Young Engineer of the Year by the Royal Academy of Engineering.

After a reading of 'Henry V at Stratford-upon-Avon' from Year 11 student Olivia Benjamin and opening addresses from Headmistress, Miss MacKenzie, and Deputy Head Girl, Arti Katechia, who welcomed our guest speaker Dr Ploszajski, the awarding of prizes followed. Years 7 to Upper Sixth pupils were honoured for a wide variety of successes.

After a succession of prizes, students Emilia Hoar (Piano), Imogen Otley (Cello) and Isobel Stearn (Violin) performed Piano Trio No.2, 3rd Movement Dvorak. Further awards were handed out, with Upper Sixth student, Emily Fields, winning the School Dux.

Dr Ploszajski delivered an inspiring speech to all attendees about one of her biggest challenges to date – swimming the English Channel next week. She said: “next week I will be swimming over 21 miles, in the busiest shipping lane in the world. The water will be 16 degrees, I’m going to find jellyfish, sewage and pretty much the wind and weather will throw at me.”

However, the reoccurring theme during Dr Ploszajski’s speech about her upcoming challenge was about failure and how we all face it in our lives. She reiterated the importance of support from from your friends, family and mentors, as you embark on your next challenge.

The Head Girl, Lauren Lewis, brought the evening to a close and reflected on the influence of Dr Ploszajski as an inspiration to us all.

View a collection of photos on our Flickr gallery here.