Case Study 1: Grace (Year 11)

Grace joined the Cathedral School at the end of Year 6 and is now in Year 11.  She is one of our "Senior 12" prefects.  She came to us because she felt she needed something more than her old primary school could offer.

"It is hard to believe it now, but when I was at my old school I used to be so shy and nervous. In Year 6 I came on a Cathedral School tour with my parents and my sisters, and we all immediately felt the atmosphere here was just right for us.  It is a combination of factors that make the Cathedral School special:  the atmosphere here is so warm and welcoming, the teachers are so considerate and there are so many opportunities.  I loved the fact that I was doing four hours of sport a week.  And all the other pupils were so friendly.  Almost immediately I stopped worrying about everything.  And then I started doing really well with my schoolwork."

Grace has three favourite subjects: Art, Drama and Modern Languages.  But she is also very appreciative of the help she has received in her least strong subject, Maths. 

What she has most enjoyed about the last year were all the trips she has been on: the Global Rock trip to Portsmouth, the Art trip to London, the Wimbledon trip, and the two theatre trips.  She has also been in the Netball, Rounders and Hockey teams.

If Grace could give any advice to someone new joining the School, it would be:

"Work hard and have fun, take all the opportunities you can.  My only regret this year is not taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme."

And this is how Grace sums up life at the Cathedral School:

"You are pushed hard academically but still get a very full life."