THE opening of a new library and information technology facilities marked one of the highlights of the first months of the new millennium at Giggleswick School, headmaster Tony Millard told guests at the annual speech day.

The Sharpe Library, with the very latest technology housed in an innovative IT suite, was opened in the school's old dining room on January 1. It was developed after the dining and kitchen facilities were moved into a purpose built new hall.

Another memorable event of the school year was the production in the Chapel of Jesus Christ Superstar just before Christmas.

Mr Millard told pupils, parents, governors and guests: "Gigglewick's millennial year will remain memorable. Jesus Christ Superstar was simply the best piece of musical drama I have ever seen, and the Sharpe Library has created the best possible learning environment for the next decade.

"The Sharpe Library, the new dining hall and the eagerly awaited all weather pitch will mark the completion of the current phase of Giggleswick's development plan. Altogether £4.7 million has been invested in the last seven years. I thank the governors for their commitment and in driving Giggleswick forward in its quest to be not just the best co-educational boarding school in the north of England, but one of the best in the country."

Mr Millard also paid tribute to the year's academic achievements, including 49 per cent of A level students gaining A and B grades, and 48 per cent of GCSE candidates achieving A* or A grades.

He praised the "looking outward" qualities of the school - including pupil-led fundraising for the Mozambique flood victims - and the diverse destinations of a host of sports, music, CCF (Combined Cadet Force) and academic tours.

Mr Millard thanked all the support staff at the school involved in administration, finance, works, catering, domestic and so on. He paid tribute to Tim Parker, the stationmaster at Settle, and Langcliffe-based taxi driver and old boy John Clark for their roles in welcoming pupils to the school.

A number of teachers were retiring or moving on and they were singled out for their efforts over the years, while new staff were welcomed and existing teachers thanked.

The guest speaker was the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David Smith, and he presented the prizes.

Prizewinners included: Third form, Howson modern languages, German - Henry Meredith, of Rathmell, Spanish - Sheryl Slater, of Giggleswick, Hurst geography - Gemma Thomas, of Giggleswick. Fourth form, Howson modern languages, French - Emma Goodall, of Wigglesworth, Spanish - Sam Christian, of Giggleswick, Moore history and music - Daniel Lawson, of Giggleswick, drama and theatre arts - Matthew Maude, of Settle. Fifth form, Howson modern languages, French and Spanish - Zoe Harrison, of Giggleswick. Lower sixth, Hurst geography - Stuart Hyslop, of Rathmell, PE, Tristan Christian, of Giggleswick. Upper sixth, Moore history - Sally Thomas, of Giggleswick, business studies - Christopher Hutton, of Long Preston. Open prize for music - Rebekah Lawson, of Giggleswick.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.