Having a ball

The school prom or leavers' ball is beginning to make its mark on this side of the Atlantic, with many Year 11 and Year 13 students now saying their 'goodbyes' at such events.

At the Weald Community School and Sixth Form in West Sussex, Year 11 students enjoy an unforgettable send off on board a replica 1890s Mississippi paddle steamer, meaning students can party while they cruise along the Thames.

This is the third year Andrea Dye has organised the floating ball. "Organising the event is hard work and time consuming, but it's definitely worth it to see the kids looking brilliant and having such a great time. It's the end of an era for them, and they deserve to celebrate." She says that many of the students have been looking forward to the event since Year 7, and have watched their siblings go through it, so they just can't wait for it to be their turn, which probably accounts for their excellent behaviour.

She admits there is an ulterior motive behind her choice of venue. "It's actually easier to manage an event like this on board a boat. We take the students to and from London by coach. When they arrive, they're all in one place, so they can't wander off and we don't get any unwanted guests. There's a big deck area and a disco, buffet area and non-alcoholic bar below deck, so it's easy to station staff around the boat to make sure everyone's safe. Before the event, students are briefed about conduct and safety issues and letters are sent home to parents. And when we board the boat, the captain goes through the safety regulations."

"We make it quite clear to students that if they arrive under the influence we won't take them on the trip," adds head of Year 11 David Sainsbury. Normal school rules apply at the function, and any pupil caught drinking or taking drugs is treated accordingly.

Costs

This year, 170 students and 20 staff attended the ball, which was held just before students started their exam leave. At £44 a ticket, it wasn't cheap, but the school is able to make concessions. "We make it clear to parents that it's a voluntary contribution, but that they should pay if they can," explains Andrea. "Parents can pay over several months or, if they have more than one child in the year group, we're flexible with the total cost."

And then there's the all-important outfit! Although some students spend a small fortune, it can be done on a modest budget, especially if teachers encourage students to think ahead — for example, many outfits can be bought at bargain prices in the January sales — or, if that's still too much, borrowed from friends.

Chloe worked to a modest budget — her dress cost £40, her shoes were in a sale for £20 and her accessories came to £30. This compares to fellow student Kirsten, who estimates the bill for her outfit and treatments topped £300. Her dress cost £90, her shoes £100, a manicure and pedicure £35, hair styling £20 and accessories £45. "My dad paid," she giggles, a little guiltily. "It had to be done in style. It was the last time we'd all be together as a year group."

For the boys, around £40 can secure a basic black tie affair. Year 11 student Harry's mum paid for his ticket and suit. "Everyone was there to have a great time," he says. The teachers were really relaxed and in the mood for fun. It was a real night to remember."

And it seems that it's a night to remember for staff too. "Staff really want to make sure the children get a good send off — which is reflected in how many teachers want to come to the ball. And it's great for students to have the chance to mix with their teachers in a social context," says David.

Other ways to mark the end of school

• Celebration assemblies planned by students and teachers are a great way to mark students' time at the school. Powerpoint presentations, photos and/or video footage of key events, readings and live music or drama performances are just some of the ways to mark students' achievements.
• A yearbook can be an invaluable record of students' school experience. Students at Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, devise and design their own. The professional looking hard backed yearbook costs around £15.
• A school trip can be a fun way to unwind before the exam season gets underway. Year 11 students at Turves Green Girls' School near Birmingham go to Alton Towers, which costs £21.
• A barbeque or garden party can be the perfect context for students to say their 'goodbyes'. Weald Community School holds an afternoon barbecue the day after the leavers' ball, where students sign each others' shirts and yearbooks, enjoy their teachers' cooking and indulge in a spot of karaoke.
• A walk or other sponsored event can create team spirit and a sense of fun, which lets leavers go out on a high note.

Words: Janet Murray  Pictures: Martin Beddall

FOR MORE INFO

• On end of year ideas, visit: www.teachernet.gov.uk/assemblies and type in 'moving on'
• Safety guidelines for off-site excursions can be found at www.teachernet.gov.uk/visits

Making your party a success

• Organising the event — go with tried and tested event ideas. Speak to neighbouring schools, research suppliers — see if any will do a special discount for schools, are they reliable, etc.
• Health and safety — check adult-to-pupil ratio, ensure students know the rules of conduct (especially regarding drink and drugs) and the consequences of flaunting those rules
• Costs — be sensitive to pupils' personal situations; set up payment schemes, voluntary ticket contributions. Make sure no-one feels left out because they can't afford it
• Inclusion — make sure the event is accessible to all students; be aware of cultural differences and of any students with disabilities

This content was published in July 2005 and may not reflect current policy