Matthew Arnold School

1. What is your first memory starting your school?

Being shown the science block on a tour with my future best friend.

2. What is your best memory from your school?

Winning a design and technology competition by making a robotic claw.

3. What is one thing you would like to change about your school?

The support provided to students at different levels.

4. Any fancy traditions?

None.

5. How was the academic support?

The academic support was lacking in certain departments but not in others, i.e. strong for Maths, weaker for Science.

6. Is your school a religious school?

No.

7. What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?

Racing at Henley!

8. How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?

Not much, but help was provided if you had chosen to do medicine or go to Oxbridge.

9. Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?

I provide interview help every year.

10. Did you ever have a detention at your school?

Not very often, mainly for forgetting planners or pens in different classrooms.

11. What are the pastoral support options?

There weren’t many beyond some sixth form students and also certain teachers.

11. Bonus: If you had to summarise your school in 3 words, what would they be?

‘Don’t Stop Believing’ by Journey – because they always pushed you to be better and all the teachers were old enough to remember Journey 😉