Honours

Archie has gone from strength to strength as a long distance runner and after winning the Hampshire Cross-Country event in January, he went on to achieve a Bronze medal in the English Schools Cross-Country championships. This led him to be selected to run for England only last week against the other home nations where he secured 5th place and a team Gold medal. This is hugely impressive and is matched only by Archie’s modesty. It will be extremely exciting to see how Archie progresses in the older age groups.

Honours for netball, hockey, Gold D of E

Ellie was a determined athlete who set herself very high standards in all aspects and was an excellent example to others throughout the School. She was Captain of the 1st XI Hockey team, and an integral part of the netball team, both of which she played as a key member for three seasons. Always leading by example whether in training or matches, her dedication to sport could never be questioned. 

In Duke of Edinburgh, she was the personification of resilience! With plans changed at last minute due to Covid, the group’s circumnavigation of the Island proved just as challenging as Welsh mountains! Ellie ensured that everyone’s spirits were kept high and that they made the most of the shared adventure. She was also the first to complete all sections including a residential trip to Vienna. 

Ellie was also a key member of our Senior Prefect team who, as Head of Round Square ensured that she instilled the sense of the Round Square IDEALS across the different year groups and the curriculum. This was demonstrated time and time again as she was someone who has stood out as having a taste for adventure and a willingness to go beyond her comfort zone, exemplified by her participation in the Ghana trip and pupil exchange in South Africa. 

Rory received honours for his selection to the England U18's Rugby Development Squad last summer. Rory spent 5 years making a phenomenal contribution to rugby here and joined Wellington College, one of the best rugby schools in the country at the start of this term for Sixth Form. He has just finished a very successful season playing Fly Half for their 1st XV. Rory also continues his excellent work with London Irish U18 Academy where he hopes to gain a professional contract with the London Irish adult team next year. Since Rory was awarded his Honours he has since gone on to start at Fly half for England U18 in the European Championship and their tour of South Africa.

Ryde has had a number of very talented musicians come through its ranks, some of whom have gone on to professional careers. Those of you involved in Les Mis will have experienced James Longford’s piano playing as an example. Thomas is something altogether different; reaching it to the final 5 in the Young Musician 2020 essentially makes him one of the best pianists for his age in the country. The amount of practice that he puts in is quite staggering and his modesty and unassuming manner make him an excellent role model. 

It’s hard to believe that Nathan has only been with us for 2 years such has been his impact here. From the moment he arrived it was clear that he was going to be a force to be reckoned with as he stood up in his first assembly at the school and belted out a solo vocal piece in front of a packed sports hall. Many performances later, including being the star of the show as Jean Valjean in Les Mis and it really does feel like he is a permanent fixture.

Alas we must say goodbye to Nathan as he heads for music college in London but are so grateful for the enormous impact he has made on the community. He is so much more than a musician and actor and has been an outstanding role model and leader in all that he does. He is a young man who really knows himself and what he stands for; his assembly on 'being iconic' in the Spring term was delivered with wisdom, maturity and confidence and he even managed to persuade a swathe of traditionally Tory leaning constituents to vote Green in the mock election. Nathan we will miss you and your voice but hope to see you back here soon.

Mary has achieved a rare excellence across sport and music; she has captained the hockey team and made an important contribution to the rowing team. But she has also been one of the true pillars of the music department, as a trumpeter, singer, violinist and pretty much any instrument she picks up. Anyone at the Spring concert will have seen her in nearly every ensemble that performed. On top of this Mary has been a stalwart of the RAF section in the CCF and a truly committed leader and role model for the younger cadets. 

Nancy has been one of the school’s sports stars for many years (since Fiveways I am told). She can turn her hand to most sports and excel, but she has been particularly influential in the school’s hockey and netball teams where her athleticism coupled with a mean competitive streak have made her an indispensable leader. She has been an excellent role model to younger pupils and those involved in Global Rock last year will have experienced her no-nonsense leadership style. 

Nancy is not just about sport though, many of you will have seen her appear as Epinine in Les Mis where her acting and singing were both superb, and on top of this she has already completed her Gold DofE.   

Head Girl

Many of you will know Sophie as this year’s Head Girl but there is a whole lot more to her than a figure head. Mr Windsor writes: Sometimes I forget when dealing with Sophie that she's a student and not a member of staff. So good is she at dealing with people and situations that I have come to rely on her to deal not only with issues in the sixth form, but lower down to the school as well. On DofE, she was similarly brilliant in the face of adversity. No matter what the weather and terrain threw at us Sophie cruised through with the calm confidence of one beyond her years.....and doing it all with a smile. She is willing to give anything a go and always has a positive mindset.

Netball

At netball, Miss Drinkwater writes: Sophie has been an outstanding captain, always leading by example and acting as a strong role model.  She has always been ready to support and encourage those around her and her performances for the 1st VII netball team this season have been as consistent as it gets - I cannot remember her having a bad game.  She has been a pivotal part of the netball teams since Junior School and her enthusiasm and commitment to the game will be sorely missed.

Hockey

Whilst at hockey Mr Edwards echoes these themes and writes about Sophie’s trademark commitment, team work and enthusiasm which helped guide the team to one of their most successful seasons. She is ever the team player, encouraging those around her and never gives up.

Rugby

Brian has made a huge impact on Rugby at Ryde School over the last two years. He was an influential figure in the 2017-18 season and took on the captaincy the following year. Brian led the 1st XV to their most successful season in a decade through his determination and inspirational speeches, before, during and after he matches. He has been a superb role model to the younger years and has really inspired a number of pupils within the school. Brian has given up his own time to plan and orchestrate sessions and has truly gained the respect of his peers. On the pitch, Brian is a bull-dozing ball-carrier and swats opponents out of his way. He has been known to leave huge holes in the opposition defence but will leave an even bigger hole behind him next year when he is gone. We look forward to seeing him competing for Hong Kong in the next few years.

Duke of Edinburgh

It is Brian's positivity and enthusiasm that are such a force for good when things get tough. His radiant smile is enough to life the spirits of any group when faced with yet another hill to climb! Combined with his physical strength that makes him a valuable member of D of E and he has been a supportive and inspiring participant. He makes us all raise out game and I thank him for maintaining such high standards.

Leadership

Whether on the rugby pitch for the first XV, climbing mountains for D of E, on show for the CCF, fulfilling boarding duties or patrolling the school for perfect tardiness during the lunch break - Brian has shown leadership qualities in every areas. Whilst one would expect the School's Head Boy to be leading, Brian has gone above and beyond even these expectations. If there is something going on in the Sixth Form community, Brian is involved in it, showing excellent judgement when faced with difficult decisions. Arriving from Hong Kong in 2012 as a quiet, mild mannered Year 7 pupil who didn't really know rugby existed, he is leaving us as a vocal, confident young man with some pretty serious muscles and a head for leadership.

Music

Lillie has been a huge part of the music department over many years. Her lively, buoyant character has shone through everything she has tackled. She has been an extremely loyal and dependable member of many different ensembles such as junior orchestra, chamber orchestra, concert orchestra, swing band and choristers, playing both clarinet and saxophone. She ran a very successful ukuele club where she gave younger pupils the opportunity to rehearse and perform their favourite songs and she is an excellent grade 8 singer. The music department will truly miss her next year and we wish her every success in her Music and English degree in Bath.

Drama

If you saw Lillie in any of the musicals she has been in then you will already know that she is the most amazing performer, understanding precisely how to inhabit a role utterly convincingly. most recently in My Fair Lady, she was on stage first as  Cockney Mrs Hopkins, squawking and shrieking and getting the whole cast joining in with her gentle mocking of Doolittle. Seconds later, or so it seemed, she is an Edwardian maid in Higgins's household and in the blink if an eye, she's playing his mother.

Not only this, but Lillie took on the role of Wardrobe Mistress, mending and altering a huge pile of costumes, so that everyone looked amazing. Backstage, she is cool, disciplined, understanding and an incredible support for everyone else and she has been at the forefront of every single musical and play she can possibly be in. She is a fabulous role model and highly deserving of this highest award.

Global Rock/ Leadership

Lillie showed incredible leadership throughout Global Rock working sensitively with peers and younger pupils alike. MIxing creativity, charisma, boundless energy and ruthless organisation. Lillie was instrumental in ensuring that last year's Global Rock was such a success. Her self-motivation, resourcefulness and hard work were a lesson to the younger pupils she was managing.

Music

Lucy has been an excellent member of the music department throughout her time at Ryde School Her enthusiastic approach to music has shone through everything she has accomplished. As a leading member of her singing group, "Iris" she composed and arranged music and contributed strongly to their close harmony singing, whilst providing the guitar accompaniment, which led them to win a lace at the National Finals of "Music For Youth". 

As principle clarinettist in Concert Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra, she has proved to be a loyal and highly valued member, always happy to support others as a conductor of Chamber Orchestra last term she demonstrated an excellent approach to directing rehearsals, encouraging and assisting players in a calm and positive manner. The department will really miss her enthusiasm and musicianship next year.

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Lucy is a powerhouse of motivation for those around her - she thrives on what would for most people be unimaginable suffering. Rain, wind, steep slopes, Scottish

midges, freeze dried food, lack of sleep, the aroma of your fellow D of Eers - it's all part of the fun for Lucy. She has been an inspirational Captain of DofE and has volunteered to come on trips to be a group leader and has proved to be a natural. As a result of her D of E she has already organised a trip to the Dolomite mountains in Italy - and this is before she has left school. I look forward to hearing of the up coming Everest expedition. For the rest of her sections Lucy has been part of the choristers (and made a very impressive tearful speech at the end of the last concert), played cricket and helped choreograph the Global Rock dance. Her residential was spent in the Peak District on a mountain skills course to further her confidence and technical skills. It has been a pleasure to have her along and she'll be missed (at least until next year when we fully expect her to come back and help out).

Global Rock:

As with her choreography and leadership with House Song this week, Lucy's inspirational energy, confidence, dedication and skill brought joy to every moment of the Global Rock process. Her positive, vibrant spirit brightened even the darkest hours, and in spite of physical exhaustion and a strained voice, her nurturing and considerate attitude never wavered. Her success was also due to preparation, everyone trusted she knew what was required. And she never asked anyone to do anything she wasn't prepared to do herself.

Rugby

Pete is the quintessential team player on the rugby pitch. Always present and at training, always positive in his approach and always encouraging those around him, he has happily taken on the mantle of 1st XV hooker again after a time on the back row and done so particularly well. Though not the largest player on the team, he more than makes up for it with heart and excellent technique. Indeed, this is what sets him apart from the team - in broken play, Pete's quick hands . in attack and fearlessness in defence are an asset that have pushed 1st XV games from close matches into solid wins for Ryde.

Duke of Edinburgh Gold completion

Pete has been a stalwart member of the DofE team from Bronze to Gold. He is one of those students who makes the leaders around him feel their age, similar to a Labrador puppy he bounds up mountains attached to a 20 kilo rucksack and comes down the other side and wonders why everyone else around him looks like a scene out of The Walking Dead. The Scottish expedition in the summer was one of the most challenging we have been on; the only thing that change about the weather was how hard it was raining and even the most experienced staff were struggling, yet Pete still came through in good humour. He has used his sport and coaching skills to enable him to complete the other sections and did important conservation work for his residential. Throughout the process from Year 9 onwards he has been an ambassador for the DofE scheme, The Duke would be proud.

Drama

There was never the slightest hesitation in acknowledging Peter's entitlement to Full Colours in Drama. His commitment to all aspects of musicals from acting to set design, production and logistics make him one of the true unsung heroes. His efforts have encouraged and motivated others and this was a significant element in the growth of the boys' chorus in recent years. Most recently in Singing in the Rain, Peter was a fabulous role model in the boys' chorus and he matched this with an equal commitment to the design and production of the show. His cake design from which Cathy Selden emerges was a triumph of engineering, slick operation and wow factor. He was tireless in addressing key areaas of the set, making, painting, hanging, creating. Even rain! Peter's design talents are not limited to Drama Departments alone, but have included Global Rock sets as well. Nothing is ever too much toruble for Pete and he relishes a challenge; he is proof positive that if something is worth doing, and you throw yourself into it, body and soul, you can succeed at the highest level.

Duke of Edinburgh

Jess has been a kind and thoughtful leader through all her work with all the D of E award scheme. She is incredibly hard working and well prepared. She is one of those people that epitomises the saying "if you want something done give to a busy person". Jess has a lovely sense of humour and is able to see the funny side of things and not take herself too seriously. All these qualities make Jess a fabulous person to spend time walking long distances with.

Leadership

Jess has shown extraordinary leadership qualities throughout the Sixth Form, not only in her role as a Senior Prefect but through her leadership of Global Rock in the Lower Sixth and the many Sixth Form events that he organised to a quite brilliant level of detail and efficiency. She is a rare breed of person who gets things don without fuss or panic and still manages to maintain her sense of humour. Jess' extremely modest and unassuming style of leadership has been a hit with her peers and will no doubt serve her well long into the future.

Global Rock.

As with everything Jess commits to, for Global Rock last year, the entire company could reply upon her to have anticipated every last detail of the operation. Offering constructive creative support along the way, she remained ever watchful for those that need support and encouragement, particularly within the leadership team, always putting others' needs before her own.

England Hockey

Louis is one of the most impressive, skilful sportsmen that Ryde School has been in recent years and this has been his second season playing in the 1st XI whilst still being only in Year 11.

Despite his younger years, he has been one of the leaders in the team and has always stood up to every challenge and commanded the field around him. He has been a constant threat in attach, scoring plenty of goals, and has also been the team's most solid defender. Form someone so young he reads and controls the game extremely well.

Louis' commitment to school hockey has been excellent despite the demands of England training and he has worn the Ryde shirt with pride. He thoroughly deserves to be awarded honours.

Netball

Hannah has been extremely committed netball player throughout her time in the senior school. Very modest by nature she has been a key player, demonstrating superb defensive play and ball distribution. She is always ready to encourage and support those around her and she has also been willing to umpire some matches when not playing herself. If there was ever a player who was an asset to the team it is Hannah.

Public Speaking

Over the last two years, Hannah has become an accomplished public speaker and debater. She has taken part in a variety of events, both within School and beyond it. She has competed in both local and national competitions and has proved to be not only a talented individual speaker, but also a supportive and effective team member, often helping less experienced debaters to improve and gain confidence. When speaking in public, as has been clear during her time as Head Girl, Hannah has developed a warm, confident and engaging style that will serve her well in future.

Drama

Hannah has ended a brilliant, committed drama career with a leading role in Little Shop of Horrors. As Mrs Mushnik, she showed perceptive understanding of the role, developed it, and found both the humour in the lines and the darkness in the character. She managed her time expertly, rarely missing a rehearsal despite the pressures of A Levels and she always entirely dedicated, having a faultless command of her lines, and brining enthusiasm, openness and imagination to all rehearsals. Many said that the show exuded a real sense of enjoyment and Hannah was key in generating this sense of being prepared to work really hard and enjoying every second of it. She has been truly inspiring role model. 

Hockey

Celine is both a true competitor and a natural leader. Her desire to take the fight to the opposition and give her all has made her stand out on the hockey field. She could always be relied upon to lead by example in the Girls 1st XI; always fully committed to the cause of the team and always dragging the most dangerous threat going forwards, but was also an excellent defender when called upon.

Netball

Celine has made an outstanding contribution to netball during her time at Ryde School. She has proved herself to be an extremely versatile player who has always been willing to play in a number of different positions, emphasising what a true team player she is. She is able to play equally well in defence and in attach and she has always displayed great sportsmanship on court. Her enthusiasm and energy will be greatly missed.

Global Rock

Celine Russell was a tenacious leader of Global Rock last year, commanding the room with a steely eye and a loud, clear voice. Her strict expectations were adhered to, helping the packed rehearsal room. Fuelling her authority was the desire for the school to do well and her responsible attitude throughout helped Pan's Labyrinth achieve such a high standard. 

Duke of Edinburgh

Emily is an absolute force to be reckoned with. She is very strong both mentally and physically. She conquers challenges with a smile on her face and enthuses all around her. Emily was a very strong member of her group and was willing to take on any job and complete it efficiently and on time! She managed listers during the expedition with stoicism and courage and is never heard to complain. She is the first to volunteer her services and is not afraid to stand up and be the 'voice' of her group. Emily epitomises the philosophy of the Duke of Edinburgh award Scheme and is a worthy recipient of her Honours.

Music

Emily has been a fantastic ambassador for the music department throughout her many years at the school. As a grade 8 singer and flautist, she has contributed loyally to many of our ensembles on a weekly basis in her seven years in the senior school with virtually 100% attendance throughout that time. She was a leading part of the singing group Iris, who performed so well, winning through to the finals of Music for Youth in Birmingham a couple of years ago. During the 6th form, she has played principle flute in the concert orchestra, chamber orchestra and flute group and has sung solos with choristers. Emily has been such a positive, enthusiastic musician, whose approach to music making has been such a motivating factor for others around her. We will miss her next year and wish her every success in her music studies at university.

Drama

Emily has been in every single musical she could be in, beginning as a chorus member in Guys and Dolls and Beauty and the Beast, graduating to a cameo role as the voice coach in Singing in the Rain, and finally playing Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors. As a chorus member in the earlier ones, she quickly learned what it takes to be a great team member, and achieve that comparatively rare gift of compelling stage presence. While much of that came naturally and easily to her, it would be wrong not to note the extraordinary amount of hard work involved. Emily understands exactly how much self-discipline and dedication is needed in rehearsal and her enjoyment of all aspects of the process is infectious. Her grace, willingness to experiment and generosity as a performer have made her an excellent role model.