Gallery: Upper Sixth Prizegiving 2023

To mark the end of the 2022-23 academic year, Upper Sixth students, parents and staff gathered in the on-site marquee for a celebratory prizegiving ceremony.

Prizes were awarded for individual subjects, as well as for excellence in sport, drama and music, and for contributions to school life. The Robert Jones Kendrick Memorial Prize and Westminster Medal, the school’s top academic award, was awarded to Vibha Shetty (U6DUT).

We were also delighted to welcome Louise Minchin as our guest speaker and to present the prizes. 

The journalist, author and TV presenter shared with students the lessons she has learned throughout her career journey, summarising with three valuable pieces of advice; work hard, do what you love, and say yes to things that scare you. 

Head of School Jack Hayter reflected on his time at school, thanking staff, parents and his peers for their support of the whole year group, and Chair of Governors Sandy Verity concluded the ceremony by wishing the year group well and congratulating them on everything they have achieved.

Entertainment was provided by the Upper Sixth members of the Les Mis cast, and the talented 1541 Band who performed You and Me by Napier. 

Full citations are listed below. 

 

Subject Prizes

The Reidford Art prize (donated by a former pupil)	Vincent Luc
The Chester City Guilds’ prize for Biology (donated by the Barbers Surgeons Wax & Tallow Chandlers Company)	Milan Kustos
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Business	Benjamin Thompson
The King’s School Mothers’ Guild prize for Chemistry	Jake Roberts
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Classical Studies	Freddie Spillane
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Computer Science	Iniya Muraari Anand
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Design and Technology	Jonathan Capper
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Drama	Rachel Bosworth
The Robert Houston memorial prize for Economics	Hannah Evans KS
(in memory of the former pupil who became a lecturer in business studies)
The J T Davies memorial prize for English Language (in memory of the former headmaster)	Gemma Moore
The Stanley Weyman prize for Literature	Nithikka Senthil Kumar KS
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Enrichment	Caleb McGregor Campbell
The Addiscott Prize for Geography (donated by the Addiscott family)	Will Burrows
The Thomas Hughes memorial prize for History (in memory of a former pupil)	Hugh Hudson
The Smith Prize for Classics	Isabel Sykes
The Canon Maurice H Ridgeway Library Prize	Beth Aldridge
The Daniel Falle prize for Mathematics (in memory of the former mathematics teacher)	Alex Matijasevich KS
The Ward-Jones prize for Music	Peter Evans MS
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for PE	Kristian Moon
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Philosophy	Robbie Duff
The T W Thomas Memorial Prize for Physics (in memory of a former physics teacher)	Joe Jackson
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Politics	Sienna Lewis
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Psychology	Rebecca Kenworthy
The W & G W Haswell memorial prize for Theology	Mahima Hansoge KS
The Upper 6th Form subject prize for Spanish	Grace Ryan

 

Upper Sixth – Sports Awards 

The CAOKS Trophy for Netball	Jessica Sedman
The CAOKS Trophy for Hockey	Emily Coopman KS
The CAOKS Trophy for Hockey	Henry Cook
The CAOKS Trophy for Rowing	Luke Dillon
The CAOKS Trophy for Girls’ Rowing	Isabel Sykes
The CAOKS Trophy for Football	William Jones
The CAOKS Trophy for Cricket	Henry Lunn

Sportswoman of the Year – Izzy Whittlestone

Izzy is an outstanding sportsperson. Throughout her time at King’s she has excelled in numerous sports, representing the School in netball hockey, rounders and athletics. Izzy’s commitment to netball particularly has been notable; she is an outstanding player. Izzy has committed to the 1st VII squad for the last three years whilst balancing her club and international commitments. This is a well-deserved reward.

Sportsman of the Year – Henry Lunn

Henry has represented the school in numerous sports with distinction over his seven years in the Senior School. His attitude towards training has been impeccable, as has been his approach to fitness. He has also displayed a remarkable commitment and durability, having played virtually every football and cricket match for which he has been eligible over his time at King’s.

The Wright Prize – Carina Chau

Awarded to the U6 pupil who has shown determination, drive and perseverance in sport throughout their time at King’s, supporting school values and recognising the impact of sport on life. Without doubt Carina is a well deserving recipient of this award. Carina has fully committed to school sport throughout her entire school career and represented the school in netball, hockey, tennis, rounders and athletics. She has done so with an immensely positive attitude and enthusiasm and no one deserves this award more.

The Richardson Prize – Jake Roberts

Jake has shown huge commitment to football throughout his time at King’s, culminating in a great season for the 1st XI where his all-round play and level of effort were key factors in the team’s success.

Upper Sixth – Special Awards and Prizes

The Worden Prize for Conservation – Bram Lucas

In his joint role as Sustainability Prefect, Bram has contributed to setting up the Chester Schools Sustainability Network and has volunteered for conservation work with wildlife trusts outside of school.

The Boswell Medal – William Bociek

Will has been a superb cadet throughout his time in at King’s. He has consistently shone out within an excellent year group for his dedication, enthusiasm, and relentless positivity. In the Sixth Form, William took a leading role and could consistently be relied on to provide the energy and commitment to make sure that activities were run to a high standard. He is a thoroughly deserving recipient of the Boswell Medal.

The Peter Hold Memorial Prize for Acting – Evie Rutt

Evie Rutt has been awarded the prestigious Peter Hold Memorial Prize for Acting in recognition of her remarkable achievements on the Vanbrugh stage. Despite her relatively short tenure at the school, spanning just two years, Evie has left an indelible mark through her exceptional talent and profound ability to delve into the emotional core of every character she portrays. Her magnetic stage presence captivates audiences, making her performances truly unforgettable. In her brief time here, Evie has been involved in a multitude of productions, assuming lead roles such as Rizzo in Grease, Eponine in Les Misérables, and Anne in The Father, which is set to transfer to the esteemed Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. Furthermore, she has selflessly dedicated herself to running the lower school drama club, fostering a fun and secure environment for younger students while serving as an inspirational role model. Evie’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of ‘King’s’ performers is admirable, and she embodies the true essence of mentorship. We are thrilled to learn that she will continue her studies in drama at university next year, and we have no doubt that her future endeavours will be as extraordinary as her accomplishments thus far.

The Arts Committee Prize for Drama – Edward Dawson

We are delighted to acknowledge Edward Dawson as this year’s recipient of the Arts Committee Prize for Drama. Edward has been an indispensable force within the King’s Drama Department for the past seven years, and his imminent departure will undoubtedly leave a gaping hole. It has been a pleasure to witness his remarkable growth, evolving from a tentacle in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in Removes to a performer of unparalleled skill and profound depth. Edward’s journey has been adorned with numerous highlights, the most notable being his recent portrayal of Jean Valjean in ‘Les Misérables.’ Beyond his on-stage accomplishments, Edward has exhibited tireless dedication in his running of the lower school drama club, investing his time and enthusiasm for the past two years. His commitment to nurturing young talent has been invaluable and greatly appreciated. Edward’s securing of a place at the renowned Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) to study Musical Theatre next year is thoroughly deserved and testament to his immense talent and unwavering passion; we have no doubt that he will conquer new heights in his artistic endeavours at LIPA and beyond.

The Joan Saint Memorial Prize for Singing – Bram Lucas

It is an absolute pleasure to be awarding this prize to Bram. He is a Bass with an exceptional talent who has continually developed his technique and confidence throughout his years at King’s. He is a committed member of Schola Cantorum and recently passed his Grade 8 singing exam with Distinction. Bram showed off his amazing vocal skills playing the part of Enjorlas in this year’s school production of Les Miserables and previously as Kenickie in Grease and Ralph in The Sound of Music.

The Sarl-Williams instrumental Prize for Strings – Peter Evans MS

Peter has been a steadfast and integral part of the music school throughout his King’s school career. He is leader of the King’s Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Strings and is dedicated to guiding and supporting younger members of the orchestra . Outside of school Peter plays in the Borders Orchestra. Peter is currently working towards his Grade 8 violin.

The Sarl-Williams instrumental Prize for Woodwind – Adèle Bracegirdle

Adèle is a hugely talented musician with an extremely exciting future ahead of her. She has been a member of the Royal Northern College of Music since the age of 14 and is principle flautist in the National Youth Concert Band, the Halle Youth Orchestra and the JRNCM Chamber orchestra. She has been awarded her ARSm in Flute Performance appears regularly as a guest soloist for the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir as well as performances with Kelsborrow Choir and the Nantwich Ladies Choir. In School, Adèle has been a committed member of the Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Band and Big Band as well as playing in the band for school productions for The Sound of Music, Grease and Les Miserables. We wish Adèle every success in her musical future.

The Tom Clamp Memorial Prize – Edward Dawson

Edward is a cheery and constant presence around the school whose involvement in school Music and Drama is quite exceptional. Positive and supportive of those in all years, both departments and the Sixth Form will miss him greatly.

The Rotary Club prize for Public Service – Mahir Ahsan

Not only has Mahir been an unwavering and supportive Charity Prefect but he has also undertaken a series of extreme physical challenges over the past three years, all of which have been in aid of a series of charities.

The Owen Jones Award for Service to the Community – Kitty Hughes

Kitty has quietly and assuredly been a superb Charity Prefect during the past year. She displayed this commitment during the Lower Sixth and has been a committed and dynamic leader of the Sixth Form’s charity efforts and leading the rest of the school.

The Rohan Ingley Memorial Prize – Samuel Miln

Samuel has, with his customary wit and calm purpose remained committed to school football, his friends and to his A Level studies during what has been a very difficult two years for him and his family. He is a fully deserving recipient of The Rohan Ingley memorial prize.

The Kearton Prize – Jake Roberts

Jake has represented the school’s 1st XI for a number of years and is quietly committed and engaged in all that he does. His academic record throughout his A Level studies has been almost faultless. He marries both things with a real sense of humility.

The Brotherhood Trophy – Jack Hayter KS

Jack is a worthy recipient of the Brotherhood Trophy despite some stiff competition from Layla Rodrigues who also is highly regarded within the year group. He has contributed to school music throughout his time at King’s, represented the school in both football and cricket, is a high academic achiever and has proven to be a superb Head of School.

The Edwards Memorial Prize – Honey Holmes KS

Honey has consistently given a great deal during her time in school – in music, sport and academia – and done so without fanfare and pretence. She is highly regarded by both staff and fellow students and is a worthy winner of this accolade.

The Cook Forster Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Mahima Hansoge KS

Mahima is arguably the heart and soul of this year group. Energetic, purposeful, intelligent and articulate – she is someone who makes things happen. She has been a wonderful support of both Hannah and Jack and an outstanding Deputy Head of School.

The Kapur Prize for the Deputy Head of School – Hannah Evans KS

Hannah is the calm and measured voice within the Head of School team. She is supportive of others yet willing to critique their views and is clearly proud to be a fully committed part of the school community. Highly regarded by all within the school, Hannah has proven to be an integral and excellent member of the team and a superb Deputy Head of School.

The Head of School’s Prize – Jack Hayter KS

Jack commands respect from all whom he comes into contact with. Unashamedly enthusiastic about music, sport and his subjects, he embodies what we would hope students come to King’s to achieve. Modest and witty, he is also capable of laughing at himself and his own eccentricities. He has represented both the school and the Sixth Form in exemplary fashion and proven to be a superb ambassador.

The Robert Jones Kendrick Memorial Prize & the Westminster Medal – Vibha Shetty

Vibha’s academic record at King’s is faultless. With both wonderful GCSEs and a straight A* performance throughout the Sixth Form, she marries her real interest in her subjects with hard work, support of others and a real engagement in the life of the school. To achieve four medical offers these days is incredibly rare but Vibha also managed this. She is a fully deserving recipient of this coveted award amidst a very capable year group.