Cameron: My life in the Upper School
“The variety of activities offered at CCJS is amazing! One moment you may be learning in the classroom, the next you’re face down in the mud playing rugby. There’s no better place to be.
There are optional activities to do after school such as chess, climbing, squash, roller hockey, scouts, cookery and many, many more! There are opportunities to sing for the school in the Chapel/junior choir, with the instrument choice ranging from harp to drums. There is also a yearly play (for most years), in which pupils may choose to participate. Even the teachers join in!
No matter which year you are in and no matter what you’re doing, you’re guaranteed to enjoy yourself. Even though the days are long, they fly by!”
By Cameron, Upper School
Darcey: My life as a Prefect in Upper School
“I have been at Cheltenham College Junior School for over 3 years and I have never been more respected and recognised as I am now, representing the Prefect body.
Being a Prefect means responsibility and respect for others around you. I feel that being a Prefect definitely has an impact on my school life. I have been treated differently and teachers have approached me more maturely. The responsibilities and expectations you have as a Prefect are simple, obeying school rules, helping teachers and even other pupils around the school are the obvious.
Each week all of the Prefects meet in the Headmaster’s office to discuss school life and how to improve The Junior. Mr. Bryan, Deputy Head, also joins us in these meetings. Whilst being a Prefect it is also very important to make sure pupils are on their best behaviour, It is not our responsibility to give punishments but perhaps if the pupil doesn’t listen, to tell a teacher. Another important assignment as a Prefect is to represent the school in a proper manner, for instance, looking smart and being polite.
As I have been a Prefect I have also noticed that you are being watched not just by the teachers but also by the younger children at the Junior. If they see you misbehaving they will think that it is right to follow your example.
I am very honoured and proud to be wearing the badge and tie to represent the awards and honours I have been selected for. So far I have really enjoyed being a Prefect at the Junior and am looking forward to the year ahead!”
By Darcey, Upper School Prefect
Frannie: My life in Year 8
“Being in Year 8 feels like a whole new world. We have so many more responsibilities and commitments to the school but most importantly you earn trust. From being in the school for 6 years I have witnessed the way people treat you as you move up into higher years.
In Lower and Middle School adults are stricter for the best but in Upper School (and especially in Year 8) they ease up on you much more! We get so much more respect from teachers and children in the lower years who look up to us. Yes there is much more pressure because of common entrance or scholarship exams, but if you are willing to work hard and rise to the challenge, then you will advance and do fantastically in Year 8 and further years at College or your next school.
We get many privileges and equipment, for example, there is a Year 8 common room where we have our class rooms and lockers but we can also relax there at break and lunch times, and talk to people we might not normally talk to because were not in the same classes or do not have the same lessons.
At CCJS, you don’t just have to come to school, you want to!”
By Frannie, Upper School Year 8
Georgie: My life at school and being chosen for Head Girl!
I was always looking forward to joining the Junior at the start of year 7, but I never imagined it would be this exciting.
From the moment I walked in on my first day and smelling the breakfast left over from the boarders I knew I was going to enjoy the school.
Life here has been non stop, from school trips, to hockey coaching in the pouring rain, to winning the house cup. I’ve experienced it all, and it was even more enjoyable having great friends around me and supporting teachers that you can always turn to for help. Each day I learn and experience something new, which makes each week even more exciting.
Some of my most enjoyable memories so far are: the year 7 London trip, the teachers Christmas panto (which was very funny), being in the 1st tennis team, sports day and my most shocking memory – being chosen for Head Girl!
By Georgie, Head Girl