Christ’s Hospital is renowned for doing things a little differently when it comes school life and we took a peak inside to see how things are done.
Grace Nicolle
Age: 18
Year Group: 13
Morning
I get up at around 7.15am and lessons begin at 8.30am, after morning roll call. I like the uniform in the sense that I am proud to wear it. I don’t think about the fact it’s different from the uniform that other schools have and because we are all wearing it there is no effect on my relationship with other students.
Each single period lasts 35 minutes and in sixth form almost all lessons are double periods, which last 75 minutes. We have a mid-morning break and then lessons end for the day, on most days, at 12.50pm. My previous school only had about 40 pupils aged from 4-16. In my year group there was only 4 of us, at its very maximum, and classes were three year groups combined so it is simply not comparable.
Afternoon
We march into lunch at 1.20pm and then have actives in the afternoon. Actives range from community action to sports fixtures to music practice to Zumba classes to Duke of Edinburgh. I look forward to visiting the care home that I go to as a part of community action, it gives me an opportunity to get off school grounds for a couple of hours and do something for other people. I also get a massive amount from doing community action; I love hearing all the stories that the people I talk to have to tell.
Everyday poses a different challenge whether it be the amount of prep I have due in the next day, a looming coursework deadline or exam date. To get over work related problems I just get my head down and do what needs to be done, or ask for help if the challenge isn’t one that I can overcome by myself. In terms of challenges in-house they don’t tend to take much sorting, most sort themselves out. Whilst living so closely does lead to occasional squabbles we are like sisters so no challenges last very long.
Evening
Tea is from 5.20pm until 6.50pm in the dining hall, roll call is at 7pm and then until 9.30pm I do my prep or attend lectures that are taking place and then I am free until I go to bed at around 11pm.
I can’t even imagine how I would be if I had never come to Christ’s Hospital. Since my first day I have grown in confidence immeasurably. For me, the grades I have managed to achieve at GCSE and AS level are just a small part of my development here. As a person I have learnt so many valuable life lessons. I am not just currently in the best place I could be but I have the ability and opportunity going forward to go where I want to be.
Ruth I Fayomi
Age: 18
Year Group: 13
Morning
On a typical day, I wake up at 6am and get myself ready for the day. The uniform is unique and is a treasured part of the school that has grown on its students and is a part of the school I have fallen in love with. The uniform allows for all the students to be “on the same level” thus treating each other as equals. In my opinion, this minimizes the extent of bullying that could be a result of “home clothes”, consequently increasing emotional comfort and stability within the student body.
My lessons begin at 8:30, with a break at 11:05, and usually finish by 12:50. My classes at my old school were different in that a single period was an hour long; the shorter periods here allow for peak performance and eliminate the deterioration of focusing. Both in and out of the class, a majority of my teachers are easy to approach and are obvious experts in their field.
Afternoon
Marching commences at 1:25pm with lunch afterward. I look forward to socialising with the younger years and other students who are also new; this allows for new bonds to be formed and helps me create a family away from home, whilst fostering an older sibling connection as established with my siblings at home.
I have an active from 2 till 2:45pm and after that I focus on prep, catch up on or review work from the day or, alternatively, go to any clubs I have during that time, such as Gospel choir or Spoken Word. Had I joined this school earlier, I would definitely have a longer list of hobbies. From being at Christ’s Hospital, I have blossomed more into the individual I am today; I am more independent and confident and that’s all down to the school and my experiences here.
Evening
After tea, if I have not completed the prep work, I continue with this, otherwise, I prep for my classes the next day. For any student just beginning at Christ’s Hospital, I would advice that they grab hold of all the opportunities available because such opportunities rarely come again in this enormity; so give everything a try. Be positive. Being otherwise wastes time and energy!
This school really is a school like no other. Christ’s Hospital is good in offering the sense of community – home and family throughout the whole school, an education of high quality and attractive and unique surroundings; it is a perfect platform for students to “find” themselves.