The Chronicle January 2020

20 ST EDWARD’S CHRONICLE

Getting Stuck in at Teddies

Sixth Former Alicia Bouaziz caught up with two Fourth Formers, Paddy Smith and Josie Denvir,

change coming from London to Summertown and suddenly having school on a Saturday but I was really excited to be in Oxford and experience the boarding school atmosphere. Josie: Coming from the Dragon I was used to being in Oxford and I already had a few friends with me coming to Teddies but I realised that I needed to branch out and make new friends as well.

to find out how they tackled their first year at St Edward’s. How did you find your first few weeks at Teddies? Paddy: I was a bit homesick to start with, but as the weeks went on we took part in lots of activities which kept us busy and helped us to socialise with new people. Josie: At the beginning it was very busy as a really full programme was put in place to help us make new friends and increase our teambuilding skills. For instance, on the first weekend of term, the whole Shell year group went to Youlbury Adventure Centre. All the Houses were mixed up into different groups and we took part in activities such as rock-climbing and abseiling. What was it like coming from your previous school to Teddies? Paddy: I came from Eaton House the Manor in Clapham so it was quite a big

Paddy Smith and Josie Denvir

What advice would you give to Shells joining us in September? Paddy: I think even though it can seem quite scary at the beginning don’t be afraid to ask any of the older years for advice if you’re lost or anxious as everyone is really friendly. Josie: At the start I think it’s really important to try to get to know everyone and not to limit yourself to the people in your House or in your lessons; it’s really good to make the most of being at a co-ed school. What is your favourite thing about Teddies? Paddy: I really like the friendly atmosphere around School and all the extra-curricular activities on offer, especially the fact that they’re all to a high standard whether it be sport, music, dance or drama – they are all equally strong.

Josie: My favourite thing would have to be sport and how friendly and helpful the coaches are. There is a good balance between having fun and working hard. What does your typical Teddies week look like? Paddy: Outside of sports and academic work, I do one or two extra hours of Art, as I’m an Art Exhibitioner. I’m also currently working on my Ballet Grade 6 and my LAMDA Musical Theatre Grade 5. I find it manageable to stay on top of everything as the School allocates two hours every night for prep when I can just focus on my work and not worry about my other commitments. Josie: I take piano, singing and oboe lessons every week, which I find really fun, and I love being in the new Music School. I also do ballet, hip-hop and funk fusion dance lessons and I have a different teacher for each. I am also heavily involved in hockey: I train five days a week. I love the variety the School has to offer and although it’s hard to fit everything in I still find time to relax and visit Summertown without falling behind in my work. Contrast Paddy and Josie’s experiences with those of Dr Tom Barns OSE, who celebrated his 100th birthday in February. In an edited extract from a new book by School Archivist Chris Nathan OSE, Tom recounts his memories of his first term at Teddies in the autumn of 1932.

Shells Olly Gurney, Florence Haigh, Bibi Brech and Jarvis Eyre