One of the challenges we face at Frensham Schools is explaining to new parents our unique approach to recognising and celebrating student achievement. Unlike most independent schools, we do not hold a speech night or an annual prize-giving ceremony. For example, we don’t award a Dux of School, nor do we give prizes for first place in subjects.
When new parents hear this, their initial reaction is often to assume that we don’t value student success. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth—we care deeply about recognising and fostering achievement.
In 2022, Sally Fennell, Old Girl and staff member, delivered an address at Morning Prayers titled ‘Iris-Girdle’. With her permission, I’ve included extracts from her speech, as it beautifully explains our approach to competition and recognition.
‘Iris-Girdle’ – Morning Prayers 2022
The Iris is our symbol. It is our flower, woven into everything we are and everything we do. The purple Iris represents Frensham. Unlike other schools with crests and Latin mottos, our emblem—the Iris—reflects our founder Miss Winifred West’s love of beauty, simplicity, and her disdain for extravagance.
Miss West often spoke about the value of beautiful surroundings, but she believed the highest form of beauty was a beautiful life. She said, “If we can have perfect buildings and perfect surroundings, so much the better, but unless our lives and thoughts and actions correspond, the outward beauty will only be a mockery.”
She viewed a beautiful life as one of friendship, contribution, challenge, and service. The Iris was chosen as our symbol for its strength, variety, hardiness, and ability to flourish in all conditions. Its perfect symmetry represents adaptability, determination, and the power of bringing joy and beauty into everyday life—all virtues Miss West wanted her students to embody.
Miss West believed education should encourage self-reliance, a love of learning, and the fulfilment of one’s potential in a free, non-competitive environment. She urged students to reject aimless, materialistic living in favour of a life centred on service to others—to the school and the broader community.
A Non-Competitive Tradition
At Frensham, our culture is deeply non-competitive. We have no prizes, trophies, or medals; no display cabinets filled with symbols of competitive success; and no presentation nights. We believe such practices can detract from a genuine love of learning.
There are no inter-house or inter-year group competitions, and girls don’t compete against each other for prizes. As Miss West wrote, “In games, in scholarship, and everything else, it does not matter in the least whether we are weaker or stronger than another school, or whether an individual is weaker or stronger than another. What matters intensely is that we should do our best. We may have only one talent, but that must be used, not buried in the ground.”
At Frensham, every talent is valued equally. Whether you are a singer or scientist, swimmer or dramatist, your contributions are celebrated. The unselfish pursuit of excellence is a core value—one that acknowledges personal growth and your role within the community.
The Symbolism of the Iris
Receiving an Iris is not like receiving a prize. The presentation of an Iris, freshly picked from our gardens, is a metaphor for excellence. In its simplicity, it conveys a powerful message of contribution and commitment.
The Iris is not awarded through a checklist or quota system. It is given when staff collectively agree that a student has achieved outstanding success, demonstrated exceptional character, and served the community. This recognition is rare and meaningful, celebrating values such as integrity, humility, and generosity.
Miss West gave Irises not as trophies but as symbols of transient beauty and excellence. She encouraged students to continue striving and contributing well beyond the moment of recognition.
Beyond the Iris
Occasionally, students ask why they did not receive a Girdle, listing their achievements in self-advocacy. These conversations serve as reminders that Frensham awards are not about entitlement. They reflect humility and the joy of doing one’s best, regardless of recognition.
When girls leave Frensham, they are presented with an Iris brooch upon joining Fellowship. This final symbol represents their outstanding achievement, endeavour, and contribution to the community—a legacy they carry with them for life.
At Frensham, we encourage students to embrace the joy of learning, challenge themselves, and give to others with passion and integrity. The Iris reminds us that we all have the power to make a difference, leaving a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others.