Before years 11 and 13 headed off for study leave, we held the annual prizegiving assembly for students that have made an outstanding contribution to school life. 

This year, emotions were running that bit higher than previous years, as Mr Biggins, the incoming headmaster, presented two surprise additional School Colours with the following citations:

Mr Hickey 

“Gary Hickey has been at the heart of all things Adams for the past decade. His commitment to social mobility has seen the school provide significantly more places to local children, and to those in receipt of Pupil Premium and Free School Meals. Under his tenure the school has changed its name, moved boarding house, expanded to beyond 1,000 pupils on roll, introduced a fifth House, built two new teaching blocks, the pavilion and netball court, and taken the school fully co-ed! In the classroom he has been Head of Music, Head of Drama and (sort of) taught English. My Hickey's main contributions to the extra-curricular life of the school have come in The Arts where his significant overhaul of School Productions, Dixon Cup and House Music will leave a lasting legacy. While, by his own admission, not a sportsman, he managed to participate in House Cross Country twice, even finishing before it got dark on his second attempt! As the man himself would regularly say, “it’s never dull!”” 

In recognition of his hard work and achievment, Mr Hickey also had the privilege to be invited to the Education and Skills Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on May 14th, hosted by His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla which recognised and celebrated service and contribution to education across the UK. 

Mr Mulhern 

“For unwavering dedication to sport at Adams in all its forms. For his years of outstanding pastoral care as Head of Senior Boarding, and for his unending passion as the inaugural Head of Webb House. Rob Mulhern is a man who epitomises all things Adams and has been at the beating heart of the school for close to four decades. His “Sport for All” mantra is evidenced in all he does. He’s been the driving force behind the significant success of rugby in the school but was also the Head of Sport who brought Netball, Hockey and Football into the competitive sphere. With both of his sons, Fergus and James, also educated and residing at Adams, the place is very much in his family blood, with wife Lynsey herself a Senior Boarding legend and veteran of many an overseas sports tour. His legacy is so great, that he will leave very big rugby boots (but incredibly short, shorts) to fill!” 

Mr Mulhern was also presented with The Mulhern Cup which will from now on be presented at the Old Novaportans Sports Weekend to the winners of the rugby match between ONs and 1st XV. When asked if he would be refereeing the next ON rugby match, he replied "Certainly not, I'll be enjoying it from the sidelines!"