Summer Ball, Annual Award’s Ceremony, & Dedication

‘If music be the food of love, play on!’ William Shakespeare was right, as our well turned out students enjoyed the Summer Ball at the world renowned Globe theatre last Friday evening. Founded in 1599, the Globe Theatre has seen much of London’s history, with both the original site and the Globe as it stands now presenting many of Shakespeare’s greatest plays. Classics like Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet and Othello have been brought to life as they were intended to be seen in this iconic theatre. It was a privilege and an honour to attend along with colleagues to see the product of a DLD education. I saw young adults ready to take on the trials and tribulations of a life beyond College. The values, skills, knowledge and friendships that they have learnt and made here will hopefully last them a life time. 

I hope that they have relished their time here at DLD, whether they have been with us for the long haul since Y10 or joined the College in Y12, they are all now alumni of this special College. In keeping with tradition, a Prom King and Prom Queen were crowned and a Valedictorian was announced. Y13 boarding students Adam and Ana were regally appointed whilst Betty Y13 was bestowed the grand honour of being named DLD College Valedictorian 2018. The students were impeccably behaved, respectful and excellent ambassadors for the College; as a Principal I couldn’t ask for more. 

The Summer Ball, is just one aspect of College, and it was a truly outstanding event, organised with great precision and passion. To see the College community come together like that speaks volumes the college and its people, and although we talk about grand buildings and iconic venues, it is after all the people within those buildings which make it so by giving it character and warmth. Again this was in great abundance at this afternoon’s Annual Awards Ceremony, as our younger students were rewarded for their efforts and achievements throughout this academic year. Not only have our students demonstrated great application in the classroom, it was impressive to see them take to the stage too as they entertained the College with a variety of musical accomplishments. Performances ranged from Elton John’s ‘Tiny Dancer’ performed by Jonathan to ‘Love Scenario’ by IKON, performed by our very own K POP Dance Troupe, a truly eclectic mix which reflects the wealth of talent here within our strong and diverse community. Our students have worked exceptionally hard throughout the year and their dedication to develop themselves is clearly evident, both in and out of the classroom. It is important that we offer these future stars the opportunity to come together to celebrate and reflect on this, before the final push towards their all-important exams this summer. As our friend Shakespeare said, ‘It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves’. 

Best wishes, 

Irfan Latif
Principal