How old were you when you joined St C and how long did you stay for?

I joined Lower Kindie when I was 2 3/4 and stayed all the way through, leaving in Year 6

What fondest classroom or trip memory do you have from St Christopher's?

When I was in Yr 5 with Mr Woodhead, if you got the highest score in a piece of work you could go up and hit a buzzer on his desk.  It made two different sounds - one was Britain's got Talent X buzzer and one said "that was easy".  This motivated me to take that extra bit of time and effort to get top marks.  Mr Woodhead also used  Horrible Histories songs when he was teaching us History and he even printed out the lyrics of the Dick Turpin song.  I am studying History at Durham University now so it really appealed to me.

Was there a particular teacher or member of staff that sticks with you?

When I was little, Mrs Mantle was kind and caring and called me her human calculator.  Mr Iles was funny and so engaging in English lessons.  I have fond memories of all my teachers.

How would you describe the foundation it gave you in later life?

I look back on my time with a lot of fondness and happy memories.  It was great to be at a school with such strong pastoral care and where I could make real connections with teachers.  I always felt the teachers were really looking out for you.  I learnt to work hard and at a high level academically.  I loved the emphasis on sport.  The coaching helped me develop as a good footballer and I still play today.   The school helped to make me confident and outgoing.  

Have you been back to the school in recent years?

I did work experience after GSCEs.  This was in the summer of Covid, so I wasn't allowed inside the building, but I helped out at sports day and in the playground.  I really enjoyed playing with the children.  Putting up the gazebos for Sports Day with Mr. Velasco gave me an insight into the varied skills required as a prep school head!  It was the first time I had seen the Heard Building and it was exciting to come back and see the school evolving.  

Have you kept in touch with many friends from your primary school years?

I had lots of friends when I was at school and I am still close to some of them now 10 years on -  the value of friendships made at 3 years old and lasting so long can't be underestimated

Would you go back to St Christopher's if there was an alumni reunion in 2025/26?

Yes  - I'm going to be in my final year at Durham, but if the reunion was in the holidays I would love to come.