ON the evening of July 13, our year 11 students could be seen, dressed in their finery, making their way to West Midland Safari Park. However, on this occasion, the attraction wasn’t the white lions or the giraffes – the safari park was the venue for the Leavers’ Prom which was held in the Treetops Pavilion. This is a new and unique African-themed pavilion with a red carpet leading into and through the reception area and into the ballroom – a venue for our beautifully dressed and groomed leavers.

The day had been a typical 2012 summer’s day: cold and thundery with heavy showers. However, our year 11s weren’t about to let a minor detail like the weather dampen their spirits. They turned up, looking gorgeous and elegant, determined to enjoy themselves. Their modes of transport were, as ever, varied and original.

There was an impressive Porsche, a beautiful vintage Austen 6, a silver Aston Martin convertible plus a couple of tandems and scooters and, to top it all, a carriage drawn by plumed horses – true princess style!

This year, more teachers attended than on previous occasions, a testament to the high esteem in which students were held. “It’s always amazing to see how the uniform-wearing students transform themselves into confident, lovely young men and women,” said Mrs Blake as she watched the procession of glamorous young things sashay onto the dance floor. And they did indeed look lovely. Coner Clarke and Dominic Gale were especially dashing in their tail-coats, whilst Harry Bannister twirled his cane with great aplomb. The debonair style of the boys was certainly matched by the girls, all of whom looked heart-breakingly beautiful, creating a colourful sea of satin, lace and silk as they swayed to the music, celebrating their youth and freedom.

Harry Bannister was voted Prom King and Bali Dredge – very regal in a lovely golden gown – was crowned prom queen. Both were popular choices, although the rather strange crowns were anything but majestic!

The evening culminated in a very touching ceremony as the students tied hand-written “wishes” onto helium balloons and released them into the night air. Some of the messages were quite poignant (“I wish my gran could see me”) and others were more down to earth (“I hope I get good GCSE results”).

As we watched the balloons climb higher and higher the teachers’ wish for the students was that they all find happiness and fulfilment in their lives.

  • Taken from Wolverley Whispers school magazine