After two years of watching Speech Day remotely, Saturday 2 July proved extra special as boys, staff, governors and parents joined together in person in the Great Hall to celebrate “a brilliant year!”
Head Master Ian Silk reflected on the many things the boys learned from the tough times in recent years and how proud he was of the boys, who have been remarkable, resilient, adaptable and flexible—and above all, kind.
In his brilliant report of the year and its many highlights, Head Boy George Knight also applauded the teachers and staff in the Prep School on their enormous efforts, commenting, “Our successes are a reflection of their hard work.”
This year’s Guest of Honour, Northampton Saints Prop, Alex Waller, spoke with the boys about his career and offered them some advice on achieving success. To paraphrase: Firstly, figure out what you want to do, then work hard—harder than anyone else. And importantly, when you experience a knockback—which you will—accept what has happened, learn from it, adapt and move forward. He also advised them to “control the controllables but don’t waste time or energy worrying about the things you can’t.”
Alex also shared the advice he gives to young players joining the Saints Academy from school who, like our Y8 boys, are going from “being the big dogs to the puppies” as they move up. “Be confident, be respectful, but don’t hold back. Just because you are the youngest, it doesn’t mean that your opinion doesn’t matter. It doesn’t mean you haven’t seen a different or better way to do things.”
Thank you to everyone who joined us to share in the boys’ many achievements and successes, and to celebrate the warm and vibrant community that is Bedford Prep School.
