Two weeks ago marked the second-ever non-traditional school photo at Concord College – but it was a highly enjoyable day for students and staff! Ordinarily, School Photo Day would take place in May around the national bank holiday, behind Main Hall, however last year due to Covid-19, many students flew or travelled home before the UK introduced a national lockdown in March. After discussing numerous ideas, it was decided by Principal, Mr Neil Hawkins that students should submit their own photo, to be included as part of an extensive collage, containing all 594 students in the 2019-2020 academic year. Click here to read the full story. This year, although most students have returned to Concord, Covid-19 restrictions resulted in another unique approach – a full school photo taken via a drone. Students – in their Covid-19 safe year group ‘bubbles’ – gathered on Hall Meadow in designated time slots and were carefully coordinated into areas in front of the Main Hall car parks, with staff just behind. With Vice Principal (Pastoral), Mr Jeremy Kerslake on the speaker system, students in their formal wear listened to countdowns and were directed to smile and pose at the drone, capturing images of students, staff, the college and surrounding Shropshire hills. The photo will be framed and showcased in Concord’s Main Hall, maintaining a tradition dating back to 1982. Afterwards, remaining in year group ‘bubbles’, students had the opportunity to take photos with friends and teachers, enjoying the sunshine, ice lollies and other refreshments. Click here to view the School Photo Day photo gallery. 6.2 students were also able to enjoy a graduation celebration, in place of the usual 6.2 Ball and graduation ceremony. 157 students, either in person or online, attended the celebration hosted by Principal Mr Hawkins and Chair Trustee, Dr Ian Bride, featuring a contactless rollcall, speeches from Head Boy and Head Girl, and music performances from Concord musicians. Following the celebration, 6.2 students who were present on-site spent the afternoon and evening outside of the Morris Building on the sports courts, celebrating graduation with their peers and staff, enjoying food and drink from various caterers, including fish and chips, pizza, ice cream and more. Reflecting on the year and unique end of year celebrations, Head Girl, Hannah said: “Even though our year was very different, and perhaps we missed out on things that other Concordians before us got to experience, right now in the present, let’s be thankful. “We are all really privileged people and have so much to be thankful for – and this includes thanks to the teachers, tutors and all staff for everything you’ve done for us in the present, and during our time at Concord.” Head Boy, Louis, in a speech to the 6.2 cohort added: “This year, no matter how high the hurdles were, we have leaped over them and that's all that matters. “The pandemic has robbed us of the satisfaction of finishing our final year in normal terms, but let’s not waste our time being upset about the past and treasure the last few short moments we have left together. “Let’s use this short period of time to contemplate on the brief but sweet instances of the past and look upon the greater opportunities in the future.” Click here to view the 2021 Graduation photo gallery.