On Saturday 1 July, our annual celebration took place in the School grounds, with a slightly different format this year. A selection of stretch tents were scattered across Northcote Lawns rather than the traditional marquee and, despite a slightly damp and blustery start, the weather soon brightened and the grounds were bathed in sunshine as School Meeting started in the Sports Hall. 

Below is an overview of School Meeting written by Year 9 pupils from our Pupil Marketing Team:

Mrs Miles started School Meeting by telling us all how grateful she was to be our Head, and giving thanks to the many people who are helping to showcase our School today, as well as the partnership and commitment of our Parents. She also welcomed the Old Badmintonians and the Class of 1998 back to school. She passionately expressed her excitement for our School’s next chapter in its history. 

Following this wonderful welcome, the Head Girls gave a short summary of their ‘chapters’ at Badminton. Nikki remarked that while starting new chapters, for example the journey from Junior School to Senior School, may be scary, there are always new positives of each chapter. Sally then told us how her first Form Tutor became a catalyst for her growth at Badminton. She reminded all the girls, that the end of one chapter means the beginning of a new one. Yijing ended by explaining that the pages of her Badminton book were filled with not just laughs with friends, but also music making. She keeps busy as a keen member of Schola, Choir, Orchestra, and other musical activities, and complements this with a bit of liquid nitrogen drenched banana smashing in Science Outreach! 

Our Chair of Governors, Mr Lewis, then took to the stage reminding us of Badminton’s promise to provide the best preparation for girls living in a global society. After thanking Mr Dalley for his work as Acting Head and saying a farewell to a few of the Board members, Mr Lewis spoke about the development plans of the school. He ended by announcing the Iris Murdoch Writing Competition winners, to thunderous applause. 

Mrs Miles wrapped things up by telling us about ‘The Parrot’s Tale’ by Rabindranath Tagore. Her message was that instead of clipping the wings of the pupils, which is what had happened to the parrot in this story, at Badminton School we allow girls to fly high, sing, dance, and be independent, all without losing the joy that we have. 

Our Alumnae Reception was held on the ground floor of The Casson Library. Welcome drinks were served by the Head Girls as guests caught up with former classmates and colleagues, some of which were long over due reunions! The mix of guests made for some fascinating chats; recent leavers deep in conversation with alumnae from the 1950s. The core values that underpin Badminton and make it so special remain largely unchanged over the years, with deep friendships, meaningful relationships with staff, a strong sense of justice and the confidence to pursue any dreams all common themes. Thank you to all our guests for attending, it is a pleasure to welcome alumnae back to events and, without exception, we always learn something new!

We also welcomed back the Class of 1998 for a reunion to mark 25 years since they left Badminton. With almost 30 attendees, the Drawing Room was soon filled with the buzz of chatter as friends caught up, some of whom had travelled from overseas to attend. Former staff members Lottie Enser and Anne Thomason even dropped in to catch up with former pupils, having not seen them since they left as 18 year olds over two decades ago! The group took the opportunity to explore the School and see some of the internal changes - an upstairs room in Northcote which was once their dormitory has been converted and is now part of the admin offices (an excellent selfie opportunity!).

Our Pupil Marketing Team were keen to learn more about the Class of 1998 and asked the event organsier, Suzie Gillon, some questions about her time at Badminton.

What are some of your fondest memories from your time at Badminton, and how did they shape your life beyond school?

I have many fond memories: spending hours and hours in the fabulous art department in my free time; watching videos like 'Stand by me' and 'The Breakfast Club' on repeat from the Henleaze Blockbuster (!) at the weekend; playing cards in between lessons in 6th form, and of course midnight feasts in Cubie dorm. Another thing that makes me smile now is how we used to record music onto tapes and then pass them down the coach to be played on school trips - one coach driver was very surprised when several of us belted out a rousing rendition of a song we had been learning in German! Our Badminton years were well before ubiquitous technology so we definitely had to make our own fun!

Can you share any memorable experiences or achievements from your time at Badminton?

 We did so many things over the years - I remember having a great time on a hockey trip to Holland (despite getting beaten several times by amazing Dutch hockey teams!), participating in Maths and Science competitions, the School Socials out at neighbouring schools, so many ridiculous moments on our Duke of Edinburgh expeditions (like forgetting tent pegs) which spurred me on to carry on to D of E Gold, and the excitement of putting together and performing the House plays. 

What do you miss the most from Badminton, and what do you think current girls should make the most of while they are here?

 I think the best thing about the school (apart from the great facilities and specialised teaching staff) was the truly international feel - it seemed so normal to me at the time to have friends from all over the world and have such an interesting and direct perspective on global issues (as well as some amazing places to visit in the holidays!) - it also made learning languages seem to important and relevant.

And advice for current pupils - do everything and try everything: make the most of all the facilities, trips, teachers and opportunities - you never know what will spark an interest, or be useful later in life - as my grandmother used to tell me 'nothing is ever wasted'!