This is my fifth day at Oundle School and I have tried to stay curious about every new thing here. Beginning a new boarding life with a new community wasn’t easy. The first night was the hardest; my mind was chaotic and my brain was nervous. I had never been to a foreign country on my own. Would I be able to socialise properly here? Would the academic curriculum be difficult? Would I be able to incorporate myself into this community?
My last school was an international school located in the east of China, and it differed from Oundle in that the teaching speed was very quick and the entire learning environment was intense. At Oundle, the pace of learning is more measured and there are numerous interesting class activities that help a lot to strengthen my understanding of the subject material. In addition, living in Oundle for me was a transformation from being a day pupil in my old school to being a boarder, resulting a wider social circle and community that I live alongside.
I am grateful to the staff and Upper Sixth in New House who on day one, guided me patiently to each building and introduced me to Oundle town, where the residential area, cafes, shops and School buildings mingle. I was impressed by this integrated study environment and felt that I could enjoy the rest of School life here. SciTec was the first School building I noticed as it was here that most of my lessons would take place. The modern architectural style with an intriguing atmosphere of science and technology was etched in my mind as the first impression of Oundle School. I really appreciate the patience of my teachers and the friendliness of all pupils, which is helping me to adapt quickly to the life of the School, both inside and outside of the classroom.
The many co-curricular activities that Oundle offers give us the chance to develop new skills, habits and academic interests and to broaden our social circle across different Houses and age groups. Being a member of the Oundelian is a great honor, giving me the chance to showcase my passions through writing.
Oundle provides me with the pleasure of having a community life with all Oundelians, as well as the space to ponder my future life beyond school. Living and studying here offers me a great chance to see the world through new eyes, learn about different cultures and create an unforgettable School experience that will undoubtedly lead to a better me.
This year started like any other, yet if feels different. Ahead lies a thrilling but bittersweet year, one that has made me reflect on my time at Oundle. My connection with the School spans 11 years, beginning when my brother first started. Since then, three pupils from my family have passed through Oundle.
Now, as I embark on my A-level year, I can’t help but notice the similarities to when I first joined the School. Both beginnings were filled with nerves and anticipation. Being in the Upper Sixth brings the promise of new responsibilities and freedoms, in a position I once looked up to as a Third Former.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the start of this term. While the Upper Sixth offers formal privileges, it also brings many informal privileges. For instance, sitting on the bench in Cloisters has made my breaks much more comfortable and, as a prefect, being able to walk across the Chapel Lawns is something I’ve looked forward to for years. So far, these benefits have outshone the responsibility and hard work that the final year has brought with it, although whether that will last is yet to be seen!
