Celebrating our pupils
Prize Giving is a cherished annual tradition at Sydenham High, where we come together as a community to celebrate not only individual achievements, but also the collective growth, resilience and spirit that define our school. It is a time for recognition, reflection, and rejoicing – a moment to honour the hard work and progress of every pupil and member of staff who has lived out our values with courage, curiosity, kindness and determination.
This year, we were privileged to welcome two inspirational guest speakers who shared powerful stories of perseverance and purpose.
At our Prep School Prize Giving, we were honoured to be joined by Janette Potgieter, Director at Teneo and member of the all-women ocean rowing crew One Ocean. Janette captivated our pupils and parents with her story of rowing 3,000 miles across the Atlantic – a journey that tested the limits of physical and mental endurance over 40 days and 40 nights. She spoke of overcoming salt sores, exhaustion, and the endless horizon, all in pursuit of a shared goal.
Her message to our pupils was both practical and profound: start with the finish line in mind, focus on what you can control, and embrace adaptability as the foundation of resilience. Most importantly, she reminded us to find joy in the journey. As she now prepares for her next extraordinary challenge – rowing the Pacific with her new crew Perpetual Motion under the motto “Three Women, Three Decades, One Ocean” – we wish her all the best and will be cheering her on.
For our Senior School Prize Giving, our honorary guest was Helen Seymour, the world’s first female Eurofighter Typhoon pilot. Helen shared her remarkable journey from a determined young girl to breaking gender barriers in the RAF. Despite initially failing the aptitude tests and being told that flying was a “man’s job,” Helen persevered and proved her doubters wrong – becoming a trailblazer in aviation.
Helen spoke openly about dealing with the fear of failure and imposter syndrome, even at the height of her career. She reminded our pupils that setbacks are part of the journey, and that while talent is a gift, success comes through hard work, mindset, and resilience. She encouraged everyone to aim for their personal best, rather than comparing themselves to others, and to embrace a growth mindset that opens doors to new possibilities.
Helen also shared how she balanced a high-flying career with becoming a mother, proving that with determination and support, it is possible to pursue both ambition and personal fulfilment. She spoke about the importance of having a “wingman” – someone you trust to watch your blind spots, offer support, and help you see clearly when you’re deep in focus. Whether that person is a friend, teacher, parent, or mentor, Helen’s message was clear: we all need someone to lift us, guide us, and believe in us.
The ceremony was made even more special with reflections from Mrs Geldeard, Head of School, and Mrs Paton, Head of Prep. Together, they reminded us how proud we are of our pupils and staff – for their achievements, but more importantly, for their character, kindness, and commitment to growth throughout this academic year.
Prize Giving 2025 was a powerful reminder of what it means to be bold, be fearless, and to strive for excellence with heart. We look ahead to a new academic year full of new challenges and exciting opportunities, inspired and uplifted by the stories and successes of our school community.
