'When a royal visit is imminent,' quipped our royal visitor, 'it ensures that work is completed on time.' How true the prince's words were as the completely refurbished site from Year 3 to Year 13 sparkled in the sunshine for the official opening. The task of preparing for the royal visit very conveniently coincided with the start of the school year. It did mean, of course, that the open day on Tuesday 9th September was a frantic attempt to purchase the school uniform, with every stitch of clothing bearing the school crest sold out.
Wednesday morning started with a full rehearsal of both the ceremony and the lessons to be observed by Prince Andrew. Miss Donnellan had all the logistics worked out and Mr Prentki filled the role of the prince admirably. All worked according to plan with just a few minor hiccups; the senior pupils in Science, ICT and Maths lessons had to quickly hurry down to the courtyard once the entourage had viewed them at work and then passed by.
The marquee with the green floor easily accommodated all pupils and staff; Mr Buss, Miss Donnellan and Mr McGrath then sorted out pupils without full uniform.
While Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 waited patiently under the marquee Prince Andrew toured the GCSE and IB block, calling in to view a number of lessons. Pupils reported that he was charming and very interested in what they were doing and he was content to spend plenty of time chatting to the senior pupils. The entourage led by Mr Prentki contained the Prince and his assistant, Mrs Iwona Thomas, Mr Kevin McNeany from Nord Anglia, Mr Michael Pakenham, The British Ambassador, and Ms Julia Longbottom, The British Commercial Counsellor.
And finally to the official ceremony. Mr Kevin McNeany spoke first of the history of The British School and its growth over the past eleven years and Nord Anglia's and it's Partners' involvement in its development culminating in this proud day. Prince Andrew then replied. His speech spoke of his happiness to open such an impressive building and wished the school much success. He spoke about the importance of education as a partnership between pupils, teachers and parents, the three legged stool analogy and he added that that the school must be a place of fun. He then pronounced the school officially open and unveiled the plaque marking the occasion to dignified applause (we had rehearsed earlier). Emily Busvine, the youngest girl in the school then presented a bouquet of red and white flowers with a blue ribbon. Before departing, Prince Andrew chatted informally to pupils and teachers and then became the first signature in The British School's Book of Guests. We trust that the pages will soon have other illustrious signatures.
