This is what Faulkner’s facilitates so well. That first year for most is about finding your feet and discovering new things about yourself. Thanks to my Housemistress I discovered my passion for Dance and now I can proudly say that it has been one of the many things that has made my life at Bradfield so special to me. Watching it grow more and more popular every year, the dance community, spanning all year groups, has become like a family to me. It seems absurd, but somehow an activity I flippantly signed up for shaped me in so many ways both within and beyond dance itself.
The confidence gained from the Co-Curricular Programme had enabled my confidence to grow significantly in academic subjects too. The academic side is something that I have never found easy, however, the support and the relationships you build with your teachers enhance your learning within and outside of the classroom. I have always loved creative subjects and Science and Maths undeniably have been a struggle for me, my teachers have never failed to go out of their way to make sure I had the support I needed. Whether it was organising boosters or sending through resources, not once did I ever feel alone in my academic journey.
Bradfield really is a ‘talking school’ and it is because of this that the pastoral aspect truly thrives.
I’m now in the final year of A Levels, studying English Literature, Film and Religious Studies; the subjects that I love. This has been such a key part of my Sixth Form experience. My teachers are constantly trying to push me outside of my comfort zone and have done whatever they can in aid of helping me to achieve my aims. Last year I reluctantly represented my House in a debate and, thanks to my teachers who encouraged me, I found something unexpected that I really enjoyed. The skills I learned then and the ones I am continuing to learn really embody Bradfield’s Education for Life. There is so much more depth to academics at Bradfield than what is within the classroom walls.
Bradfield really is a ‘talking school’ and it is because of this that the pastoral aspect truly thrives. My Senior House, Palmer, really has become my second home and my Housemistress has been a rock throughout my Bradfield journey. I have had my blips along the way but, Palmer has always been there, offering anything I’ve ever needed for which I am beyond grateful. As someone who had never been to boarding school before, it was everything that I had imagined and more. Whether it is karaoke nights, baking or watching a film in the Common Room, congregating as a House shows there is a complete lack of hierarchy and it is because of this that every Senior House flourishes.
Individuality is promoted by pupils and staff.
Fundamentally, Bradfield wouldn’t be the place it is without the people. They are what make it so unique. There are pupils from all walks of life who thrive here, each in their own way. Individuality is promoted at Bradfield by pupils and staff, therefore every day you are surrounded by a huge variety of people. The people I have met here are what has made my journey so special; the friendships I have made from the beginning to the ones which have formulated over the years. They are what makes me undeniably appreciative to have the privilege of being a pupil at Bradfield.
