Held in the Aberdeen Music Hall, this year’s Senior School Prizegiving adopted a fresh format that brought together S1-S5 pupils and their families for an afternoon of recognition and celebration. 

The ceremony began with a procession of pupils, staff and governors who were piped in by S6 pupil James. Mr Macpherson, Head of College, warmly introduced the hymn ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer’, and Kevin Reynard, Chair of the Board of Governors, extended a heartfelt welcome to all in attendance. 

Mr Macpherson then delivered his annual report, reflecting on the achievements and highlights of this academic year. The audience was treated to a beautiful performance by the Chamber Choir, who captivated everyone with their rendition of ‘And So It Goes’ by Billy Joel. 

Following this, School Captains Isabella and Michael delivered a vote of thanks to their younger peers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication. 

Among thanking his younger peers and the wonderful staff at the College, Michael also expressed his gratitude to parents: “While we are all here to celebrate the achievements of our peers, none of this would have been possible without the consistent effort put in by all the parents in this room. On behalf of all of us, we want you to know that all the sacrifices that you have made to send your children to this school do not go unnoticed. Thank you all.”

Isabella summarised: “Now to all of you, who have gotten through this year. Whether you have experienced your first year in senior school, your first set of exams, or taken your first steps to planning life after school, congratulations and thank you for your dedication. This school wouldn’t be what it is without its students. It is hard work, but your discipline, resilience and grit will certainly help you tackle whatever comes your way. We know it seems impossible to fathom, but in a span of time that will go unbelievably quickly, you will all be where we are: finishing school, wondering where the time went and going off to do amazing things. Whatever route you take, the skills and life lessons you learn here will remain with you through it all.”

The eagerly anticipated presentation of prizes to the S1-S3 year groups then commenced. This year, prizes were presented by charity representative Katie Bremner, Community and Events Fundraiser from our school charity partner, Charlie House. 

Before the S4 and S5 prizes were awarded, the Senior Concert Band showcased their talents with a performance of ‘How to Train Your Dragon’, much to the delight of the audience. The prizegiving culminated in the symbolic Brooch and Shield Ceremony, where our current School Captains Isabella, Michael, Ananth and Jules handed over the honour to the upcoming 2025-2026 School Captains. 

At the end of the service, Katie from Charlie House was then presented with the final charity reveal cheque of a grand total of £15,113.32, which has been raised this session by the Robert Gordon’s community, underscoring the school’s commitment to supporting vital community causes. The afternoon was a wonderful testament to the hard work, talent and generosity within our school community. 

Mrs Smith, Head of Senior School, shared: “It is such a privilege to be part of this community. Celebrating a wide range of pupil achievements, following a year of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm, is a fitting end to the summer term. As we take time to relax and restore over the holidays, I wish all pupils, staff and parents a wonderful break and look forward to starting all over again in August.”