Highgate
Name: Dr. Alejandro
Secondary school: Highgate, 2001-2009
University destination: Newcastle; Medicine (MBBS), Neuroscience (MRes)
- What is your first memory starting your school?
Having come straight from the US, being amazed by how posh everyone’s accent was.
- What is your best memory from your school?
Latin lessons with Mr. Halstead. His terrible knee slapping jokes and his insistence that ‘there are people living in carboard boxes by the side of the River Thames who have failed to master the ablative absolute.’ Or the building rattling explosions in Dr Szydlo’s Chemistry class.
- What is one thing you would like to change about your school?
I wish it had gone co-ed sooner! They finally came round to the idea in sixth form. 140 boys and 20 girls – I don’t envy them.
- Any fancy traditions?
Not sure if fancy is the right word but there were riotous ‘muck up days’ on the last day for leavers. Chickens running wild in the quad, graven images burnt onto the football pitches etc etc.
- How was the academic support?
Intensive.
- Is your school a religious school?
Nominally CofE but all faiths were catered to.
- What was your favourite co-curricular achievement while at your school?
Being captain of 4th XI. Fond memories of wind-swept Saturdays on mud bath pitches.
- How much emphasis is placed on Oxbridge as a university destination?
Let’s say it’s strongly encouraged. I believe ~27 of the 150 in my year got an offer.
- Do you keep in touch with the school, now you have left?
Yes, I’m likely to start tutoring for them next month!
- Did you ever have a detention at your school?
Many a time. For bunking class.
- What are the pastoral support options?
I never availed myself of them but I’m sure they are myriad. Form tutor / house master / favourite teacher is always a good first port of call.
- Bonus: If you had to summarise your school in 3 words, what would they be?
Formative, Enduring, Nostalgic