QUEEN ELIZABETH II VISIT IN 2006
In 2006 Queen Elizabeth II opened the new buildings. Whilst on her visit she had a tour of the school, a handful of our staff were lucky enough to meet and speak to Queen Elizabeth II or Prince Phillip. They recall on the day…
Mr Goode:
“When Her Majesty visited my Year 11 Science lesson, we had to have every aspect of the practical checked by her security including all the chemicals that we were using! We were doing a Neutralisation Investigation.
Everyone was nervous and a little over-awed by the occasion. She was running a little late and we all were on edge. When she came into the room she was very gracious and made everyone feel important. She took the time to speak with every individual pupil in the class, they all felt that she was really interested in them and what they were doing and their future plans.
When Her Majesty left the room there was still 20 minute or so left of the lesson and all we all wanted to do was to talk about what he had experienced. We were all completely blown away by what we had experienced, she made us all feel important!”
Miss Major:
“I remember the plain clothes armed guard standing outside my dance studio door and thinking “Is this really happening?” and then she came around the corner and started walking up my corridor towards me my knees started to shake!
I had been told what to say and do as she greeted me but in the moment I forgot everything: forgot to curtsy and definitely didn’t call her ma’m! She was very polite and gracious and said she thought it was wonderful that students were able to study dance and do qualifications in the subject. She watched my Sixth Form students perform a Swan Lake inspired quartet. As she watched them I remember looking up close at her skin and thinking how incredibly soft and perfect it looked.
She left soon after that, the adrenaline rush meant I didn’t remember much else and then she was gone and the students and I all collapsed on the floor in disbelief at what had just happened to us.”
Mrs Lund:
“I saw the Queen at the front of the school, she looked radiant and happy. I spent more time with her husband Prince Phillip the Duke of Edinburgh. I had the pleasure of showing him around the food rooms and chatting with the students.”
Mr Hart:
“Having the school opened by the Queen was an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere around school and the local community was incredibly exciting. When opening the sports hall the Queen showed a great interest in sport and was keen to know more about our students that were performing in front of her.”
