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Leavers' Ball
Class of 2022 Leavers’ Ball
On Friday 1 July 2022 there was a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the air at Cirencester Deer Park School. After lunch, the school’s Main Hall was closed and the final preparations for our first Year 11 Leavers’ Ball in 3 years commenced.
By 6pm the transformation was complete thanks to the hard work of Mrs Walford, our Ball organiser, and her team of helpers. Once the lights were switched on and the red carpet was rolled out, the hall looked amazing. Members of staff changed into their finery and were despatched to their stations. The first few spectators began to arrive.
At 6:30pm, the first vehicles arrived and were initially held at the back of the school until there were sufficient to make up a procession. Movement around the back of the school was slow and steady and our first formal arrivals made their entrance and paraded around our turning circle at the front of the school at 6:45pm to rapturous applause from the growing crowd. Headteacher, Chiquita Henson, controlled the traffic flow allowing each arrival their special moment.
I always enjoy welcoming our pupils and their drivers to the Ball and this year was no exception as I directed them around the turning circle at the front of the school. I commend those who arrived on foot too. They all looked stunning, and some unrecognisable in their suits and gowns! I was definitely guilty of car envy as I stood among the convertible Bentleys, vintage cars and campervans. The open top double decker made a great entrance, but stealing the show for me, and reflecting our rural context, were the tractors!
Chiquita Henson, Headteacher
This year, the photography was more informal. A familiar face around school, who has photographed this year group over their 5 years with us, from their Induction Days to this Leavers' Ball, was taking photos and she was joined by two former pupils, Lucy and Dylan, who are currently studying Photography at Cirencester College. Once inside, our pupils could make their own memories in a specially built ‘photo booth’ with plenty of props! Many of the evening's arrival photographs will be included in our Class of 2022 Leavers' Booklet.
After the arrivals, pupils entered the hall and were quick to embrace the DJ’s well-chosen music on the dance floor. Many of them danced all evening, only pausing for refreshments at the non-alcoholic bar and snacks. Not even the special delivery of chips could deter them from the beat for long! 'This is so much fun!' said one of our Class of 2022.
Mrs Ellison, Year Leader for the Class of 2022, commented: 'It was delightful seeing everyone all scrubbed-up and looking splendid. Year 11 are definitely made for dancing! Friday 1 July was a truly wonderful evening.'
The atmosphere was very good humoured and pupils were keen to celebrate their time at Deer Park with members of staff who they actively encouraged to dance with them. Iconic numbers like ‘The Macarena’, ‘Blame it on the Boogie’, ‘I will Survive’ and ‘Reach to the Stars’ brought everyone together. There were smiles, synchronised movements and laughter.
‘Thank you to everyone who helped with our Leavers’ Ball. The pupils were excellent during the evening. I don’t think I have seen a year group dance so much, this includes staff. There was nothing better than seeing Ms Henson in the ‘mosh pit’ during the song Sweet Caroline!’ Mr Bellamy, Assistant Head.
‘I was touched that Ben and Isaac wanted to make sure I had a good evening as it was my last Leavers' Ball. Therefore, I had no option but to accept their and Arthur’s invitations to dance!’ Chiquita Henson, Headteacher
'I really enjoyed the experience. It was a great final evening with everyone I spent my time with at school.' Member of the Class of 2022
‘We just wanted to say a very big thank you to both you and all your staff who have taught and supported our son so ably over the past five years. He has really enjoyed his time at Cirencester Deer Park School and he has thrived whilst being there. He has grown in confidence and ability, thanks to the support of dedicated teachers over the years, especially with his sport, which he will be continuing at Hartpury College in September when he undertakes a Level 3 Triple BTEC in Sport and Exercise Science. He greatly enjoyed the Prom on Friday night and it was super that it could finally go ahead. I understand he even persuaded Ms Henson onto the dance floor!’ Class of 2022 Parent
GCSE Results Day is Thursday 25 August 2022. The Class of 2022 are invited to come to the front of school to collect their results from 09:15.
Please note that our Celebration of Achievement Evening, when the Class of 2022 and their parents/carers are invited back to Deer Park to celebrate their successes and to collect their GCSE Certificates and Leavers' Book (if they have pre-ordered a copy), will take place in November 2022 (date TBC).