Fantastic effort and achievement across school life has been recognised at the High School of Dundee’s prize-giving ceremony.
The Caird Hall event – taking place a week earlier than normal – brought proud parents and staff together to watch F6 pupils bid their official farewells to the School and see pupils from L4 upwards presented with prizes in a range of subjects.
Rector Lise Hudson reflected on some of the highlights from a packed academic session, spanning the whole spectrum of school life including academic, sporting, music and drama, co-curricular, pastoral, charity fundraising and more.
She also thanked the staff for their vision, care and commitment, before paying special tribute to the staff members who are retiring or moving on.
She said, “The value of a High School of Dundee education goes far beyond academic grades. It lies in the breadth of opportunity, the culture of compassion, the focus on character, and the relationships that shape and support our young people. Our pupils are learning what it means to be curious, confident, and compassionate contributors to society.
“And that full educational experience matters now more than ever. In a complex, fast-moving world, we are proud to prepare young people who can question, lead, collaborate, and care.”
The School was delighted to welcome back former pupil Mark Beaumont BEM, world-record-breaking cyclist, broadcaster and author, to present the prizes.
Mark shared some anecdotes from his own background, his inspiring achievements and his career, before turning to the departing F6 cohort to offer some advice as they get ready to set off for universities across the UK and beyond.
“Be able to say not ‘I was there’, but ‘that’s what I did,” he said.
“I would encourage you to be someone who thinks, ‘As a leaver it’s for me to start to write my own story’, and to act with quiet confidence to follow through on your ideas.”
Some amazing musical performances from the pupils and the poignant hand over of office between the outgoing and incoming hose captains and heads of school added further highlights to the traditional event.
