A Bradfield Family

This was the first experience of boarding school life for both of you. Shelvin what was it like ten years ago and Sheridon how did your older brother’s experience prepare you for life at Bradfield?

Shelvin In many ways I don’t think I was ready for the boarding expeirence but I was keen to give it a go. Though he was quite young at the time, Sheridon and I had bonded well so I found it difficult to explain to him that I would be at school for days at a time.

Sheridon I don’t remember speaking to Shelvin about life here before I joined. I was still at home and at my previous school when Shelvin came here and then went to university so those were two periods in my life where I knew I wouldn’t see him for a certain amount of time. I played a lot of cricket festivals with my County so the idea of boarding school seemed really cool.

Shelvin I always thought that I’d had my own time here and I didn’t necessarily want that to influence Sheridon’s experience.

Now you get to see each other more or less every day.

Shelvin In Faulkner’s I think Sheridon would look over his shoulder to see who was around and that would change how he interacted with me but he fully understands that I’ve got to be professional in the workplace.

Sheridon I remember a Faulkner’s Divisions lesson where he was teaching me and I didn’t want to call him ‘Sir’. I had a question to ask and just waited there with my hand up for him to look over to me rather than call him ‘Sir’ to get his attention.

There are some similarities between your two experiences although for boarding you were on two different sides of the same House. Which is the best House?

Sheridon It often feeels like one House. Pre-COVID, D and G House were able to share the same entrance but currently we are using separate ones so there is a lot less interaction than there used to be.

Shelvin Both sides foster both a competitive and caring culture. Take House Song at the Michaelmas Goose for example, whenever either House goes up to perform the pupils of both Houses are first to support, regardless of who is on stage, which is quite cool. Now, as a member of the SCR, it is nice to see the culture of mutual respect continuing between the two Houses.

Your Co-Curricular interests are pretty similar. You both represented Bradfield in cricket as well as playing for counties too. How has Bradfield helped you develop as sportsmen?

Sheridon I felt there was a lot of pressure on me when I arrived in Faulkner’s. With cricket I knew Woody, Bradfield’s Professional Coach, so I think that created an expectation for me to perform and do well early on.

The Co-Curricular offering is so extensive. I would like to get involved more and away from the sporting side. I received a Drama Commendation in Faulkner’s and although my teacher encouraged me to carry it on, I chose not to. Looking back, I wish I had.

Shelvin I was labelled initially as a cricketer, but as you don’t play cricket until the Summer Term, I had two terms where I needed to find something to do and there was so much on offer.

I chose to play the major sports but if I were to have my time again, coming into a school with its own Greek Theatre, I probably would have invested time there. I like to make people laugh and the stage is a good place to do that, however sport is a big part of our family, so that is where I naturally gravitated towards. Sport has always been an activity from which we have derived our morals.

Sheridon Our Dad maintained that there are many transferable skills in cricket, such as independence, which we can take into other aspects of our lives.

Shelvin Other examples are leadership and communication. It is difficult to inspire and motivate a team if you lack these skills. That applies to sport, the workplace and the classroom, where teamwork cannot be underestimated.

Throw yourself into Bradfield life and take every opportunity that comes your way to develop your potential.

Shelvin, how has Bradfield changed over the last 10 years and equally how has Bradfield changed over the four years while you have been here Sheridon?

Shelvin Pupil numbers have grown but the space and the grounds haven’t changed and it is still a welcoming place. The facilities have improved; the Greek Theatre has been lovingly restored, a new Science Centre has been built and brand new clay tennis courts and an All Weather Pitch have been added to the College’s already outstanding sporting facilities.

Sheridon The College continues to evolve and its close community is something which all prospective pupils will enjoy. What really makes this place is the modern facilities housed within traditional buildings and I hope that this will not change.

If you could choose one thing, what would you say is the best thing about Bradfield?

Shelvin The people. Every year we welcome new pupils and new staff. I’ve been here six years now and no-one I have met has had a bad bone in their body.

Sheridon There’s a real sense of community and inclusiveness. Occasionally I feel emotional seeing the younger year groups, it makes me want to re-live that Faulkner’s experience and try different things.

If you were to give a piece of advice to anyone that’s thinking of joining Bradfield whether its joining in Faulkner’s or coming into the Sixth Form, what would that advice be?

Shelvin For those joining in the Sixth Form, they might not realise that two years goes by quickly. I got involved in all the major sports but I wish I had taken part in more of the clubs and societies available at the time. My advice would be to throw yourself into Bradfield life and take every opportunity that comes your way to develop your potential.

Sheridon Get involved in everything and use your time wisely as, before you know it, your time at Bradfield will be over. Don’t be afraid to try things outside of your comfort zone.

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