My Week at Sedbergh Prep: Cecily, Captain of Climbing

School life is made up of hundreds of small moments: new experiences, challenges overcome, friendships formed and lessons learnt along the way. In this series, pupils from Casterton, Sedbergh Prep School reflect on their week in their own words, sharing the lessons, challenges, friendships and moments that shape everyday life at School.

For Cecily, Captain of Climbing, in Year 8, the week brought plenty of challenge and variety: an invitational cross-country race, a swimming gala, girls’ rugby, History and even sight-reading piano duets. She chose three words to describe it: challenging, exhilarating and stimulating.

Choose three words to describe your week. Why did you choose them?

Challenging, exhilarating and stimulating.

I chose “challenging” because Sedbergh Prep held an invitational cross-country event and the course was really challenging to get through.

I chose “exhilarating” because a handful of our keen swimmers went to the Senior School to do a swimming gala against Stonyhurst, and I felt that the relay was really exciting to be part of. It was also lovely to see everyone supporting each other.

Finally, I chose “stimulating” because I found the lessons incredibly interesting and enjoyable. They really got me thinking and working hard to get to the answer and to process all the new information we had been given.

What is one moment from this week that you would like to tell people about?

One moment that I really enjoyed this week was Friday clubs, in which I did girls’ rugby. It was fantastic to try something new, and it is brilliant that the School offers different sports for me and my friends to try in addition to the main sport in the week.

What challenged you this week, and what did you do about it?

The cross-country route that Casterton and many other schools ran was really challenging. My legs burned the whole way, but instead of giving up I thought of the satisfaction of crossing the line in an excellent place, so I carried on right to the end.

I also really enjoyed watching other people cross the finishing line because you can see in their faces just how hard they worked and that hard work pays off. Every Sedberghian who ran tried their very best, and that was easy to tell.

How did you notice one of the Ways of the Wolf in action this week?

I see all the Ways of the Wolf in action every day. I focus on those Ways of the Wolf myself and treat people how I would like to be treated.

This week I have seen lots of kindness, for example waiting in the changing rooms for one another or even something as simple as giving me a smile in the corridor. It is always really nice to see.

What was the best thing that you learnt this week — in a lesson, activity, sport, music, or from another person?

In History this week I found it fascinating learning about King John’s life. We were focusing on his successes and failures. It was really interesting to learn about kings back in that age and how they are different from the monarchs today.

Describe your favourite part of school life this week.

My favourite part of school life this week was all the sport that we did, cheering people on and competing myself. It is always a really enjoyable moment in the school week.

Another activity that I enjoyed was my extra-curricular piano lesson. It was incredibly fun doing sight-reading duets with my teacher, but honestly the whole week has been a fantastic experience.

This week’s favourites

Favourite lesson: History

Favourite activity, sport or club: Rugby

Favourite school meal: Salmon, potatoes, broccoli and sweetcorn, with crumble for pudding.

Best thing someone said or did: Simple laughs between friends.

One word for next week: Courage