Upon arrival, the pupils and staff were welcoming, making sure that not only pupils but also the parents felt at home, safe and in good hands. Of course, every case is different but as someone who was expecting to be homesick, I didn’t feel anything like that at all. This was probably due to the fact that I, like every Faulkner’s pupil, was practically rushed off my feet trying new subjects, sports and co-curricular activities which meant that I had little time to think about home.
It is through these endless opportunities that Bradfield fully gives its pupils the facilities and help they need to thrive in pretty much any area of school life. For me this was music; drumming in particular. The Music staff could not have been more willing to facilitate and help. I would go as far as to say that they are the reason I have applied to four different music conservatoires for jazz drumming, as well as having offers from various universities for academic Music, with much help from Bradfield’s Horizons careers and higher education team.
When I was in Faulkner’s I idolised an Upper Sixth jazz drummer named Hamish, who also happened to be Deputy Head of School; say what you will but I think the system must be rigged! With the encouragement from the Music Department, some of whom also teach at places such as the Royal Academy of Music in London, I had everything I needed to develop my skills and musicianship. A highlight of my musical journey at Bradfield would be performing a set at the Jacqueline du Pré Concert Hall, Oxford, as well as in a professional underground jazz bar in Holborn, London.
But this is just Music. A singular department within the school that is on a par with any other department here. Whether it’s academic or co-curricular, the standard of teaching is so high, so you can imagine what it’s like in all other areas of school life.
I’ve tried to involve myself in as much as the school has to offer; representing the College on the sports field, in the classroom, joining societies, taking part in drama productions and even trying out the fives courts, as niche as that is! I would be lying if I said I’d tried or done it all; there are countless opportunities here and something for everyone. Even if it doesn’t exist now, the school is welcoming of pupils’ ideas and initiatives, so you could be the one to start that activity or that society.
I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by a vast array of characters and talents here. From ISFA Cup winning footballers to drama enthusiasts with big roles in productions internally and externally. It has been a pleasure to see them live out a curricular and co-curricular journey of their own.
Looking back now, having lost almost two years of the full Bradfield experience to COVID-19, the thought of leaving seems almost rushed, to be honest, and it feels like I should really have another year or so here. The reasons I will be sad to leave are the exceptional facilities, the playing fields, the buildings, the food (especially chicken katsu curry on a Wednesday night!). But above all, it will be the people, the opportunities, the staff and everything else about this place that makes it what it is.
So, if your child is lucky enough to be offered a place at the College, know that the school is what you make of it. Encourage them to use every opportunity they can, explore their interests and pursue their passions, as I couldn’t think of a better place to do so.
