On the evening of Thursday 16 November 2023 our school was bustling with energy. The Y11 class of 2023 had returned to school to receive their GCSE certificates. Excited faces were the order of the night, as their delight at seeing friendly faces was clear. Many had not seen each other for quite some time and so were busily catching up on each other’s lives, as were their former teachers!

The evening began with parents/carers proudly applauding their children as they were led into the hall by form tutors and once they were seated, their former Director of Learning, Miss Westwell gave a moving opening speech reflecting on how all their efforts made in Year 11 had got them to where they are now. 

The Chair of Governors Mr Westhead then introduced the guest speaker, Yvonne Fovargue (Labour Member of Parliament for the Makerfield Constituency), Mr Dumican and former Head Boy Benjamin Paul.

 

 

 

 

The choir began their performance with a touching rendition of ‘What About Us’. This was followed by an exciting rendition of Toto’s ‘Africa’. The Year 7 and senior choir rose to the occasion to perform so well on such an important night. Many thanks to Mr Masheder and Mrs Alvarado, as well as all members of the choir for putting on such an enjoyable performance.

Mr Cullen then introduced the ex-students that have made St Edmund Arrowsmith so proud. Names were called in groups of five, and then pupils were invited to the stage to collect their certificate from Yvonne Fovargue. The certificate that was the result of many hours of hard work. Applause from delighted parents followed each round of students as they returned back to their seats. 

 

 

Following the presentation of certificates, Yvonne Fovargue spoke to the audience about her own journey of success and the types of projects she is currently involved in. We are so grateful for the input she made on the evening as she is clearly a very busy lady. This was followed by Head Boy Benjamin Paul imparting a heartfelt speech upon his classmates, teachers, and friends. He recollected the time and support shown and received in our wonderful school, with special mention to Miss Westwell and the Senior Prefects he worked closely with in Year 11.

Finally, Mr Dumican praised the students for all their efforts and reflected on their beginnings in Year 7 with Miss Alvarado until their departures under Miss Westwell. Mr Dumican closed the evening delivering his final verse to the year group, citing Mother Theresa’s ‘Do It Anyway’.  

As always, it is with some sadness that we say farewell to the Class of ‘23, but we wish them all the very best on their journey.

Photography by Patrick Conway 11A & Writing by Sam Barton 11C