Head Girl : Cristina

Starting secondary school, at the time, seemed like the scariest thing I would have to ever face. Looking back now, I realise that I am happy to say that I was wrong. All my fears of not making friends, getting lost and not understanding anything in lessons were immediately eased from the very first day at St Gregory’s because the diverse and welcoming community atmosphere that is established at our school makes the transition from primary school to secondary school as smooth as it could be. It was clear to me, from the very start, that the teachers here are just as dedicated to our personal growth and well-being as they are committed to our academic success. 

St Gregory’s is a school that truly fosters a love of learning in its students, from fun and exciting lessons in a multitude of subjects to extra revision sessions after school and on Saturdays for pupils about to sit their exams. Our well-rounded curriculum ensures that there is something of interest for every student which is what sets our school apart from others. Outside the classroom, our teachers also encourage us to partake in the community that is St Gregory’s by developing a sense of responsibility in taking on leadership roles such as being a Reading Buddy or a Peer Mentor or perhaps part of Student Parliament or the Prefect Team. Personally having partaken in these roles and now being Head Girl I can say that the benefits of them have been immeasurable as they have made me grow in confidence and have also allowed me to create strong relationships that span not only my year group but year groups below too. 

Fortunately for us, we can further foster our hobbies and interests through the extensive extra-curricular activities that are available. From Debate Mate to the annual school musical and the variety of sports teams available one can be assured that you will always have something to do. These activities not only improve the way we work in a team but are also a great way to meet new people and make friends. Some programmes offered to us like the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and the Jack Petchey Speak Out Challenge can seem daunting and out of one's comfort zone at first but with the support of our remarkable teachers and the other pupils they are a significant achievement once completed. 

Progression to St Gregory’s sixth form came as an easy choice for me and many of my peers, there was no doubt that the exceptional support available during secondary school would be replicated in this new stage of our journeys. The sixth form provides us with the opportunity to become independent and responsible for our learning so that we may achieve or even exceed the goals that we have set for ourselves. Skill workshops, volunteering opportunities, university support and work experience offered to students ensures that we are prepared in every way possible for whatever may come next for us be it university, apprenticeships or a job. 

I cannot put into words how much I have enjoyed my time at St Gregory’s and how big of a positive impact this school has had on the person I am today. So, as I embark on my final year of education at the school, I am honoured to have the privilege and responsibility to make a significant contribution to the spirit of the school as the Head Girl.