While the two graduation ceremonies of BMH Pre school and Prep School were in full swing, a grand Senior School Graduation Ceremony was also celebrated at Bromsgrove School UK. Dr Catherine Chu, Executive Director of Mission Hills Education Group, was invited to attend this impressive ceremony. Below are the articles and photos she sent back from the UK to share this exciting moment with you.
Ever wonder what commemoration celebration at Bromsgrove School is like for Senior School graduates? Well, it is certainly a WONDER indeed! Let’s have a glimpse of the highlights…
We were so honoured and privileged to have joined in the 2023 Commemoration Day at Bromsgrove School in UK, after the lifting of the Covid travel restrictions. It was an emotionally charged day for graduates and families, steeped in tradition, formality, British elegance and charm, camaraderie, conviviality and celebrations!
▲ Charles Tsai & Catherine Chu, Headmaster & Mrs. Punt
We proceeded to Speeches and Prize Giving Ceremony on the Marquee on Routh Green, which has witnessed countless graduation moments, and where we hope to see students from BMH graduating with honours in one of the coming summers.
Headmaster shared with pride, “Students come to Bromsgrove; they have developed self-confidence, resilience, self-awareness and other personal skills; they are motivated and balanced; they contribute to the community; they are respectful and appreciate diversity; they have tolerance, support & empathy. More importantly and uniquely, students all display self-confidence, but without a hint of arrogance.”
Headmaster also revealed the ISI (Independent Schools Inspections) Results, which was “Excellence in all areas”. However, despite this enviable accolade, “it is not the time to take a sigh of relief; rather, the school shall continue to evolve and enhance the education experience for our students. We shall extend and deepen on our partnerships locally and further afield. Bromsgrove is old in its origins, but new in its growth. We hold a cheerful expectancy of what future brings.”
Finally, he encouraged students, “AI cannot dream. The future belongs to those who bring their dreams to life! (Eleanor Roosevelt). Embrace your challenges! Learn from failures, use the many skills developed here and use your freedom well!”
Other fun filled afternoon activities including:
• Lunch with Headmaster in the marquees on Gordon Green
•Tea on Gordon Green and on Lower Charford
•Music on Gordon Green (performed by student bands and chamber groups）
•Art, Textiles and Design Technology End of Year Exhibition in the ADT Centre
• The Heritage Centre with displays by the Archive Club on the Coronation and Uniform Past and Present
• Cine film footage of School in the 1950s will be showing on the large screen in the Heritage Centre
• CCF Field Gun Competition on the Parade Ground
• CCF Centenary Display in the Armoury
• Challenge Cricket Match
Finally, the day ended with the “Final Call-Over on Chapel Lawn”, with leavers and students shaking hands with Headmaster as they graduate from Bromsgrove or as they break for the summer holidays. It was an emotionally charged and symbolic moment especially for graduates, filled with pride in successfully completing their secondary studies at Bromsgrove School, yet at the same time saying goodbye to their beloved school and community.
In summary, it was such a privilege to be a part of Commemoration Day, to witness the quintessential British charm, etiquette, formality, but all under a most convivial and respectful atmosphere across the community, without a hint of elitism and snobbery. Having travelled across UK and Europe, Bromsgrove is truly a unique and beautiful bubble, steeped in tradition, refinement, etiquette, intellect, but also tremendous kindness, diversity and inclusiveness.
▲Catherine Chu, Michael Luckman (Chairman of Governors), Michael Punt (Headmaster)
Graduates, having been imbued with the Bromsgrovian ethos, shall undoubtedly sail through all channels of life with grace and sophistication.
