In ‘normal’ times, the outgoing Upper Sixth cohort would enjoy a leavers’ day and a ball to mark the end of their time at Emanuel. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 crisis, such plans have had to be put on hold.
On Wednesday, the Sixth Form team held a Zoom get-together for the Upper Sixth, additionally entertained by Head Boy Siddiq’s great Kahoot quiz and photo slide show.
The Upper Sixth officially become OEs (Old Emanuels) on Dacre Day, which takes place in early July each year. While Dacre Day is not going ahead for 2020, plans are being put in place for the Upper Sixth to return to the school to celebrate their Emanuel years when it is appropriate to do so (possibly September or December). A published yearbook is also being planned to coincide with this get-together, so the students can sign each other’s books as they would have done on leavers’ morning.
From Mr Hand, Head of Upper Sixth:
“Being your Head of Year has been very rewarding for me, seeing you transform into the fine
young adults you’ve become. I have taught some of you English, coached you rugby, or just
got to know you well over the last couple of years: all special memories for me.
Treasure your own special memories: walking down the drive for the first time; a treasured
place in school; a memorable lesson; an inspiring teacher; a moment on the pitch or court; a
favourite stretch of the river; a quiet moment in chapel; jamming in the concert hall;
performing on stage; a fun, maybe life-changing school trip, to India or Churchill’s maybe?!
Whatever it may be, you’ll have made a life-long memory.
Siddiq and Olly – thank you for your help organising today. Thank you to your teachers and
especially your tutors for ensuring your happiness and wellbeing on a daily basis, particularly
Mr Gregory, who leaves Emanuel at the end of this academic year.
Thank you to all of you for maintaining a happy, tolerant and supportive Sixth Form community.
I’ll end by reminding you about my six values by which I try to live my life and which I talked
to you about nearly two years ago when you joined sixth form. Taking joy in life; resilience;
self-discipline; honesty; courage and kindness. You’ve shown these values in abundance.
Please keep doing so going forward.
Remember Obama’s three pieces of advice – don’t be afraid, do what you think is right and build a community.
Other final thoughts:
- You don’t have to have a ‘dream’ – just work hard at what’s in front of you.
- Don’t seek happiness. Keep busy and aim to make others happy; there might be
some side effect for you. - Remember it’s all luck: you were born, your amazing DNA, your education …
- Exercise – you’re going to live for ages, so look after your body!
- Be hard on your opinions. Check them for bias and prejudice.
- Be a teacher. Even if you don’t become a teacher, be a teacher.
- Define yourself by what you love, not what you hate.
- Respect. Especially people with less power than you.
- Don’t rush, don’t panic – you don’t need to know exactly what you want to do for
the rest of your life, right now.
Mr Hand (Head of Upper Sixth)
