Dr Kirk welcomed all the students and staff to Mark Reading and took a moment to reflect on all the learning that had taken place and the opportunities we have all enjoyed this term. She remarked that, first and foremost, we are a community of dedicated learners and expressed how proud she was of the positive way everyone has approached their learning. ‘I hope you feel inspired and rewarded in your quest for knowledge and by what you’ve achieved this term.’

Dr Kirk continued: ‘Throughout the term it has been great to see how you’ve worked together and supported each other across all areas of school life. There have been so many wonderful highlights including all of the matches and tournaments, as highlighted in yesterday’s Sports Chapel. It has been wonderful to see you use your creativity in other ways, such as The White Horse Sculpture Project and the Dance Showcase with our Dance Leaders working with the children from Heddington Primary. Science Week was fun, fascinating, and interactive and we had a wonderful Charity Week which finished with the Charity Concert with so many of you performing.’

Other performance highlights of the Spring Term included Handel’s Messiah in Oxford, Choral Evensong at Eton, the Pangbourne Piano Festival and, of course, the Four on Tour production of The Amazing Adventures of Adolphus Tips which was performed in the Egg Theatre in Bath this week.

The term has also seen a plethora of trips, including the very successful trip to Flaine to compete in the British School Girls Ski Races, the Classics trip to Greece, the History of Art trip to Florence and, closer to home, the DofE Silver expedition and Model United Nations Conference.

The new Head Girl’s Team for 2023-24 was then announced: many congratulations to all of the girls on their new positions.

We were then treated to two wonderful live performances. Firstly, the Concert Band performing the theme from A Game of Thrones and a dramatic excerpt from 946: The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips by members of the UIV.

Dr Kirk went on to congratulate the pupils on their hard work and unique contributions made to the school this term and extended a heartfelt thanks to all the teaching staff for their support, encouragement, sense of fun, creativity and hard work. A special mention was made to all of the non-teaching staff for all that they do to contribute to the smooth running of the school. Thank you everyone in these hard-working teams.

To draw the Mark Reading to a close, the Art Company Shield was awarded to Ed Rich. Then, it was time for an all-important update on the Company Points tally so far…

1. Osmund - 157
2. Poore - 155
3. Ed Rich - 142
4. Moberly - 136
5. Grosstete - 133

We wish you all a very happy and relaxing Easter and good luck to all those who will be revising over Easter for LVI, GCSE and A Level exams!