Head Boy

Ahead of this morning’s speeches, can I invite you to please switch off your mobile phone.​ 

We are not expecting a fire evacuation this morning; however, in the event of the fire alarm sounding, please quickly and safely make your way to your closest emergency exit point. ​The emergency exits in the Assembly Hall are positioned to your right, to the front and back of the hall. ​ 

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and a warm welcome to our, hopefully, Year 8 pupils. My name is Darwyn, and I am honoured to give this speech tonight as this years head boy. It’s a privilege to stand here and share with you why Foyle isn’t just a school, but a stepping stone and a helping hand to prepare you for your futures, academically, athletically, technologically and artistically. And about how it’s aim is to provide you with strong roots, to foster bright futures.

Choosing your next school is a big decision, and one I know can feel overwhelming. 7 years ago I was in that very position. I sat there wondering if this was the place for me, would it let me play rugby, learn an instrument, go on trips… Once I finally started here, it didn’t take long for me to get an answer. Yes. Whoever you are and whatever you hope to do, Foyle has something for you. Is art your passion? Step upstairs and see the masterpieces made by our students. Is rugby or hockey your thing? Step outside after this speech and see the astonishing facilities this school has to offer. I could do this for days. But you have the opportunity to explore the school today and see all it offers, so I’ll stick more to the things you can’t physically see. At Foyle, our teachers are more than educators, they are mentors, role models, and cheerleaders. They’ll challenge you, support you, and cheer you on every step of the way. They go above and beyond, offering extra help when you need it, while pushing you to aim higher when you think you’ve reached your limit. You’ll get the chance to experience amazing school trips here, from skiing in year 9, Italy or Iceland trips at GCSE, New York at A level and even South Africa for a rugby tour. There truly is something for everyone.

 As you can see above me, our school mission is to foster opportunities for young learners to excel. What’s special about Foyle is that this belief runs through everything we do. Not just in the classroom, but on the sports field, up on stage, on a canvas and in so many other areas of life at the school. It’s about shaping people; about setting you up for life after school and allowing you to chase your goals and aspirations each and every day; through your school experiences and continual exposure to your subjects, sports, music and arts. Through trips, near and far, and the extracurricular opportunities with those around you. Foyle gives you the foundation to dream big and the tools to make those dreams a reality. 

Today is just a glimpse of what is waiting for you here. A taste of what life here is like. As you tour the school and meet our staff and students, I encourage you to ask questions, explore, and imagine yourself as part of this incredible community.

As you look back on your time at school; what you remember first won’t be the grades, the homework, or the exams. It’ll be the experiences that you got to share with those around you. The school trips you ventured on, the Saturday mornings off with your team at the crack of dawn for a match, and chatting with your friends before orchestra, during a kick-about at lunch or after a long day hiking the Sperrins on Duke of Ed.

We’ve used the metaphor of a tree today. The idea that this school’s environment helps you branch out, grow, and flourish. After the 7 years I’ve had here, I can honestly vouch for that. I’ve gotten the opportunity to do things I never saw coming. I’ve been to Rome, made friends for life, and, thanks to Duke of Ed, seen why it’s a bad idea to try and jump a river with a 15-kilo rucksack.

I’ve loved my time at Foyle; and I remember the day I was sitting where you are today, beady-eyed, wondering if this is where I wanted to spend my next 7 years, and mostly ignoring the speeches because I wanted to see stuff being lit on fire in a science class as soon as humanly possible.

 If I could leave you with one thing that I truly mean. If I were sitting where you are today, knowing what I know now about the experiences I’d have and the people I’d meet along the way; I’d be the first one at the door in September, ready for an incredible 7 years.

Whether you decide to do that or not; I wish you the very best for secondary school and beyond, and I can’t wait to see which of you will be standing up here in 7 years. Have a great rest of your day, and thanks for coming.