Moving to a new school can be both daunting and exciting. Year 7 students Lily S and Miri R share their reflections with us about joining Queenswood just eight days ago. Thank you Lily and Miri for taking the time to tell us about your experiences.

LILY S (7N) THE BIG CHANGE

I’ve been to four schools in my life up until the age of eleven. My last school in total only had seventy-five pupils so this has been a drastic change, however I have moved from Dubai to London so I have experienced bigger changes and now I can cope well with change.

Queenswood is a very large school and can be difficult to navigate around at first. Coming from a small school where the classes were right next door to me I have gotten lost way more than once. While I was nervous that I would get told off for being late to class, my teachers were very understanding and told me the best route to my lessons, I now get there on time thanks to them.

I have never been to a school that has as many clubs and opportunities as this one. Queenswood has a wide variety of clubs, so I was spoilt for choice. If I was to give one recommendation, I would say go out of your comfort zone and try new things, this was advice I was given by the Principal. I decided to try hockey for the first time and now I enjoy playing matches against other schools.

Boarding is something I would definitely say to try. It is something you cannot find at a lot of schools, you can be a day student, a full time boarder or even just board one or two nights.

I feel like I have found the perfect school for me. A school that brings out the best in me and really allows me to push myself to do things I never thought I could do, I have found a nice rhythm with amazing teachers and friends.

On the first day of school, I was anxious, excited and nervous all at the same time. I was terrified if I was going to make any friends at all. However all my fear disintegrated when I met my two best friends Ria K and Miri R. We may not be in the same classes or in the same House, but this gives me an opportunity to meet new people, (which i have). I now know my way around school, have amazing teachers for each of my classes, fantastic friends and last but not least, brilliant school lunches! My life at Queenswood could not get better.

MIRI R (7W) TRANSITION TO QUEENSWOOD

Having been a pupil at Edge Grove School for 8 years I have known no other school. Although the transition has been a bit scary, Edge Grove has prepared me well with kind teachers and great friends. 

Queenswood is a big school and I have gotten lost many times but every time I  eventually found my way back to where I need to be. The first time I was late to class, I was worried about what would happen but the teachers were very understanding and didn’t tell me off or give me a sanction. 

Queenswood gives great co-curricular opportunities such as the Drama and Music Departments! I have a Principal's Award for Drama and I can’t wait to join in with all the fun in the theatre! I also love hockey and will be playing matches on Wednesdays and Sundays. I love to get involved in as many activities as I can and Queenswood is the perfect place for that. I feel like I can really express myself at Q and this school brings out the best in me and encourages me to go out of my comfort zone and try new things. 

Boarding is a key part of the Q experience and is a must-try. Fun sleepovers with friends and exciting weekend trips go so well with Queenswood education! I am so excited for boarding on Wednesday and Thursday nights with my best friend, Lily S by my side. 

On my first day I felt very nervous and scared about what to expect. But then I met Lily S and Ria K! All of my nerves went away and now I look forward to every day of school. I instantly knew this was my school. Now I have fantastic and fun-filled days at Q.