The new school year is exciting for everyone. For returning pupils it is a time to catch up and share summer stories with friends and teachers alike. But for an intrepid cohort of new pupils, this was a week of firsts. On Monday, they were welcomed by their Tutors and Heads of House for an orientation around the School before the term began in full, since then they have been in lessons, lunch and up and down the Long Drive. In just five days, they have already done an amazing job of finding their feet and we are all excited for the rest of the year.
Around the excitement of lessons, three of our newest Taylors’ boys graciously found the time to recount their experience of their first week at the School which you can read below.
Writes Ronan K. (3rds):
All my lessons, Maths to MFL, English to Computing, Hockey to Science have been excellent. I am super excited for all the clubs, societies, orchestras, and in my free time the library – it is really colossal and always has new books to find! It has a calm environment to study.
Overall Merchant Taylors’ is genuinely an excellent school with its teachers, features, campus, food (especially the Brazilian chicken) and everything it has to offer.
One of my best times in school was when I received two Gold notes in a few days of joining the school, one for my Library talk and another for building a model for the Summer Reading Challenge.
There were funny times when as a new student in the huge campus of Merchant Taylors’, I was getting lost with my friends before a lesson. Luckily, we were not late for lessons, but it will be a time I will always remember.
Writes Aarav S. (3rds):
My first few days here have been a total wave of feelings. First the excitement and nerves followed by the constant puzzle of finding your way around the school. Every teacher has been very kind and helpful to any question I ask them. My lessons have come by quickly and well. It has been really nice to be in Raphael House because of the environment and the number of friends I have made. I am really looking forward to the Lake District trip and all the other fun activities to come in my time at Taylors’!
Writes Micah J. (3rds):
As I drove to the school with my parents, buzzing with excitement (and a bit of trepidation), the imposing figure of Merchant Taylors’ came into view. Making my way past the Design and Engineering block and into the Great Hall, where Mr Everson’s speech was just starting, I felt a jolt of joy. I was at my dream school where I was hoping to go.
After the speeches were completed, my form (Raphael), went to our form room. There we played human bingo, where you had to find one or more people who had the same likings as you. Questions included favourite movies, amounts of siblings (classic)and favourite hobbies.
After that we went to the computer room to sort out our school accounts. Although the session was a bit trickier than expect, we were able to overcome the obstacles and sign in to our email and school portal. Next, as we headed over to the Inner Quad, where we were given our combinations for our Games lockers. After being given our code, we bolted inside to be one the first to complete the challenge: open your locker, close it and appear in the room. After that we had our school photos taken. Heading over to the Chaplaincy, we had the pleasure of meeting our tutors and going to lunch. After a delicious lunch, we went to the tutor room.
As the day drew to a close, we went to the coach stop to be picked up by eager, awaiting parents. I was disappointed to leave. “Don’t worry” my tutor replied,” you’ll be spending the next seven years here!”
The next day, as I stepped onto the coach for the first time, my mind was awhirl with questions. What would my first full day be like? Would my teachers be nice? These answers would be answered, and to my relief, they were all positive.
After Form, I had Art. With a group of friends, trying to find Mr Cataldo’s art class, was very arduous but we eventually managed to find Studio 2. Going round the Art block on our tour, I was awed and inspired by some of the Sixth Form art. The size and beaty of these pieces were unparalleled, and I was amazed at the quality. Next, we were taking advantage of imamate objects. To my surprise, my drawing was better than expected, and I hope to improve even more.
After Art, we had MFL with Mr Champness. Although I have never studied German, I was able to learn how to greet people. After, I had one of my favourite subjects: Maths. Although I was slightly late, I was still able to take part (especially in one maths puzzle), and it was a great reminder why I love Maths. After Maths, it was time for a Humanity: History! After a little trek around the Geography and History buildings, I found my class and was able to engage in class discussion. It was a very good lesson with debates on different quotes from famous figures in history.
After the Hour, I had my first Games lesson, and one of my first times playing hockey. Through dribbling, tackling and passing exercises, I felt that my hockey had improved and now I think my understanding of hockey is more solid than before. Getting on the coach again, as I contemplated the day, I felt that I had learnt more about life and felt more comfortable and confident in the school. I thank all the staff for helping me start to fit in as I start a new school.
