Charterhouse
Charterhouse
Name: Rory
Secondary school: Charterhouse,
University destination: University of Exeter, History
- What is your first memory starting your school?
Standing in the school shop surrounded by older pupils, buying my new uniform and trying on the different clothes.
- What is your best memory from your school?
Playing sport, spending time with pupils and teachers and going on adventures in the grounds
- What is one thing you would like to change about your school?
An increased emphasis upon academic societies and co-curricular activities. - Any fancy traditions
Quite a few. One of them was the walk around Green at the end of the year after the final Chapel Service. The whole school walks around Green( the largest cricket pitch) twice and leavers do an extra lap. We have our own language, Lingua Carthusiana. We also lay a strong claim to inventing Association Football.
- How was the academic support?
It was very good. Teacher were extremely learned and helpful and often volunteered their own time to help pupils. The resources were very strong and we had acess to whatever we needed to help us learn.
- Is your school a religious school?
Yes, there was a daily chapel service and a longer service once a week.
- What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?
I was head of the politics society. We hosted Sir John Major, Jeremy Hunt, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Sir Vince Cable and others. They came to the school to give talks and take questions. As head of the society, I organised and presented the events and was responsible for persuading them to come to the school in the first place.
- How much emphasis is placed an Oxbridge as a university destination?
A good amount of emphasis. Those who are academically able enough are encouraged to apply. Plenty of support is provide to those who are applying in order to maximise the candidate’s chances.
- Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?
Yes, I still write to my old teachers and Housemaster and have visited at Old Boy events since.
- Did you ever have a detention at your school?
Yes.
- What are the pastoral support options?
Each House has a Matron who provides pastoral support along with the Housemaster. There is also a wellbeing centre and each pupil has a tutor whom they meet regularly and are able to discuss any issues with.
- If you had to summarise your school in 3 words, what would they be?
Deo, dante, dedi. It is the school motto (God having given, I give).
- Preparation is key. Start thinking about the exams at least 12 months in advice.
- Complete practice papers to get in the mindset for the true assessment.
- Consider reading and writing exercises. A good comprehension of the English language is vital for the final assessment.
- Look into publications for your target school. These provide insight into the type of school it is, and may also provide useful insights for the exam.
- Lean on your tutor for support. Athena only works with the most accomplished tutors with adaptable teaching styles to help with 13 plus assessment revision and planning.