Students, staff, parents and many grandparents filled the sports hall for this year’s Junior and Senior prize giving ceremonies, celebrating the many successes and achievements from the last twelve months.

As well as the awards and prizes, each ceremony featured stand-out performances by actors, dancers, musicians, choirs and soloists demonstrating the level of exceptional talent across the school.

Headmistress Mrs Woodcock was guest of honour at Junior Prize Giving and her message to students at both events was to be fearless in the pursuit of their dreams and to believe that every door is open to them whatever future path they choose.

This message was echoed by the guest of honour at Senior School prize giving: educator and adventurer Kiko Matthews.  After being diagnosed with a debilitating life-threatening disease in 2009 Kiko has gone on to challenge herself to try to live life to the full.  In January 2018 she will take on her ultimate challenge: attempting to row solo and unsupported 3000 miles across the Atlantic in a world record time of 45 days – 11 days less than the current record.

Rather than taking on a single sponsor, Kiko’s world record attempt will be supported by her 100TogetHER campaign, bringing together 100 women or groups of women to demonstrate her belief that any challenge can be overcome if we collaborate and support each other in a strong community.

Inspired by what they heard, Sydenham High’s rowing teams will be taking the lead to be among the first to take one of those 100 places on her cabin wall as Kiko rows her way into the record books.

Junior School Prize Giving Gallery

Senior School Prize Giving Gallery