St Dunstan's College

What's it like being a new student in year 7? We asked Emily Redlick and Anna Gould to describe their first year at St Dunstan's College.

Question: Why did you pick St Dunstan’s College?

Anna: “It was my decision and I picked St Dunstan’s because everyone was really friendly at the Open Days and there are lots of opportunities. I love sports and I play netball, hockey, rounders and cross-country. The sports facilities are first class. As my mum and dad will be reading this, I’d better add that I was also impressed by the science labs!”

Emily: “The decision to come to St Dunstan’s College was mine. I decided to go there because everyone was very friendly during the Open Days and the subjects looked to be really interesting. I was enthusiastic about joining and was delighted when I passed the entrance examination.

What was the first day like?

Emily: “I was the only person from my Prep School to go to St Dunstan’s College this year so, as you can imagine, I was quite nervous. Many of my new classmates also felt the same way but everyone was lovely – the teachers, older pupils and my fellow newcomers. We all got on really well but I still remember being worried that I would get lost in such a large building on my first day. Thankfully, that didn’t happen as there were enough people on hand to put me right!”

Anna: “I remember being quite nervous but my brother attends the school and I had visited it several times so I knew my way round a little. Still I was scared of getting lost in such a large building but I needn’t have worried. Everyone was very friendly, especially the teachers who helped us settle in. Even the Sixth Formers would stop us in the corridor and have a chat and make sure we knew where we had to be next.”

What has your first year been like?

Anna: “It has been real fun. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and it has gone quickly. I knew very few people in my year and now I have loads of friends, not only from my Form but also from the various sports teams in which I have played. It has been great!”

Emily:  “It has been great fun. I have made friends with all the pupils in my Form. While the teachers do push us hard to achieve good grades, the setting is quite relaxed and we are encouraged to take part in loads of activities. I am keen on Drama and I have made many new friends through the various productions we do in Year 7.”

How has the school helped you settle in during the first year?

Emliy: “One of the main ways was giving us lots and lots of things to do – there is never a dull moment! Teachers were very supportive and kept telling us to remain calm and not to panic. One thing that was a big help is that we had most of our lessons in our Form classroom which meant that we didn’t get lost walking around the main building trying to find our next class as our subject teachers would come to us. You never feel you are on your own – the atmosphere makes it very easy to find new friends.”

Anna: “St Dunstan’s is a friendly school. People were very nice to us, especially in the early days when we were all pretty nervous. Our teachers were also really supportive.”

What are the teachers like?

Anna: “One of the biggest shocks was the huge increase in homework and our teachers were really helpful in showing us how to plan and organise ourselves.  The teachers do work us hard - they hate it when we miss deadlines - and they push us to get good grades. They are always there to support us. You’re never afraid to put up your hand if you don’t understand something.

Emily: “My teachers are very enthusiastic about their subjects and they really want us to do well. Many of the lessons are fun and if you need help, teachers are always ready to give it to you. There is a lot more homework.  Teachers do work us hard and they push us to get good grades but they are also supportive.”

What are your favourite subjects?

Emily: “English and Drama. I love writing stories and I also enjoy poetry. In Drama my House, Forder, won the Lower School Drama Competition and I was really pleased to have been voted Best Actress in our production Blood Brothers.  Sport is also good fun as well.”

Anna: “Well there is sport, closely followed by PE and Games! It is fun and there are loads of opportunities. Spanish is also great and, when the teacher plays ‘Simon Says’, it is an easy way to learn the language.

Would you recommend St Dunstan’s College to others?

Anna:  “Absolutely. Everyone is very friendly and while we are focussed on work and the teachers do want you to do well, there are lots of other opportunities to have fun. It’s a great place.”

Emily:  “Yes – because you will fit in easily and there is so much to do with all the clubs and societies – we even have our own Hamster Club!”

Finally, what advice would you give to a newcomer?

Anna: “Stay calm and don’t fret about it. You’ve nothing to worry about because everyone is so friendly and will help you out.”

Emily: “When you join in Year 7 you think ‘Oh no, I don’t know anyone’ but don’t worry because everyone bonds so quickly and easily. People in other years are so nice as well. You have nothing to worry about – except the homework!"

• Emily travels to school on the 202 bus route which runs from Blackheath to the College and joined from a Prep School in the Blackheath area.
• Anna travels to school on the 185 bus route which runs from Dulwich to the College and joined from a State School in the Dulwich area.