Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock - Guest Speaker at Speech Day

We were honoured to have award-winning British space scientist, broadcaster, author, and Chancellor of Leicester University, Dame Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock as our Guest Speaker at the Middle and Senior School Speech Day on Wednesday, 3rd July.

Dame Maggie spoke to our Middle and Senior School students about her amazing learning journey, and how an early love for the children’s tv show, The Clangers, sparked the beginning of an amazing career, highlights of which have included building the Gemini telescope in Chile, a Zoom call with Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, and being honoured with her very own Barbie doll for International Women’s Day in 2023. Dame Maggie encouraged our students to believe in themselves, support and encourage one another, and of course, to follow her lead and "reach for the stars".

Our prizewinners were presented with their awards by Dame Maggie. Prizes were awarded in each Year Group for Academic, Achievement and Citizenship Awards, plus cups for individual subjects and sports. Guests were then treated to some wonderful performances by the Chamber Choir, the Middle School Choir, Boys’ Choir, and an ensemble choir from the cast of last year’s Senior School Production, Shrek.

Our Senior Students, Amélie and Inés gave their final address, reflecting on their time at Farlington, and passing on some sage advice to their younger colleagues. Everyone then gathered on the South Lawn for refreshments and congratulations from families and
friends. It was a very special day for our school and a fitting end to a fantastic academic year.