The guest of honour at King William’s College’s Founders’ Day was Sir David Barnes CBE.
Sir David is a former Manx resident whose grandfather bought the Calf of Man to stop it being developed. He gave it to the Manx people.
Founders’ Day is the school’s prize-giving day.
The governors’ chairman, Nigel Wood, opened the ceremony with a welcome address before introducing KWC’s Principal, Martin Humphreys.
Deputy head Jane Corlett announced the names of the pupils to whom Sir David Barnes CBE presented this year’s awards.
Sir David then gave a spirited address which outlined links to the Isle of Man, his experience of national service during the Malayan Emergency, his role as a leading entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry and the many charitable and voluntary appointments which resulted in his being awarded honours as diverse as a CBE, Knight Bachelorhood, Honorary Membership of the British Veterinary Association and Centenary Medal of The Society of the Chemical Industry.
Sir David emphasised the importance of ambition, aspiration, energy and the role of what he referred to as ‘bounded anarchy’ within today’s education and professional systems.
‘It is my experience and belief that there is a great quantum of stored energy in each and every one of us,’ he said.
‘Aspiration is the trigger that will release that energy.’
He added: ‘I dare say that your principal may feel that he presides over bounded anarchy every day.
‘I hope he does for, in my opinion, that is what a first-rate education is about: encouraging aspiration, discovering that stored energy in each individual and its constructive and formative release, the instillation of enthusiasm and commitment.’
In closing, Mr Humphreys returned to thank Sir David, guests, pupils and parents for their attendance and achievements over the course of the academic year before announcing the retirement of Barbara van Rhyn, head of English at KWC for 10 years.
‘It is with mixed feelings of celebration and regret that I announce the retirement of our longstanding head of English, or as we all know her, Mrs Van Rhyn,’ he said.
‘I will miss the company of a dedicated and inspiring individual, a true educator who goes above and beyond the call of duty for the benefit of the school.
‘Mrs Van Rhyn took a persistent and personal interest in the development of each and every one of her pupils over the years and for this she was loved by faculty and student body alike.
‘On behalf of the entire King William’s community, I would like to wish Mrs van Rhyn farewell and a long, happy and anarchy free retirement.’