Grace on Embracing New Challenges to Thrive in Senior School

Starting Senior School is an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, but for Grace, a Year 9 academic and drama scholar, it has been a journey of growth, opportunity and stepping outside her comfort zone. From receiving a scholarship she never expected, to thriving in drama, music and academics, Grace’s time at Sedbergh has already been filled with new challenges and rewarding experiences.

In this interview, Grace reflects on the impact of the 11 plus Scholarship program, how the Nine Star sessions have broadened her thinking, and the skills she’s developed as a scholar. She also shares her pride in performances such as Chicago, her experiences in choir and orchestra, and the encouragement she has received from supportive teachers.

How are you enjoying Senior School?

I’m really enjoying the Senior School—it’s great! There are so many new people to meet, lots of new teachers, and plenty of opportunities.

I remember when I first found out I had received my scholarships—my dad showed me on his phone, and it felt so surreal. I didn’t think I would get my academic scholarship; I just went for it because I wanted the experience. When I found out that I had, I was really happy, shocked – and excited to take on new challenges and experiences.

Thinking back to the Prep School’s 11 plus Scholarship program, how do you feel that the 11 plus program helped you to think differently?

I feel like the 11 plus program helped me think quite differently. I had a drama scholarship for Year 7 and Year 8, but when I joined the 11 plus Scholarship program, I learned so many new things that weren’t necessarily connected to drama. There were loads of opportunities beyond that.

We also visited lots of places and learned about different types of scholarships. We found out about sports and academic scholars, which was really interesting. Eventually, we started preparing for our 13 plus Scholarship, so when the time came, we didn’t have loads of work to catch up on—we were really prepared.

I really enjoyed the activities in the 11 plus program because there was a new challenge each week to help us prepare and reflect on our scholarships while also looking to the future. It felt really special to be part of it because no one else had that experience unless they were a scholar. That made us feel really involved and proud.

One activity that taught me a lot was when we visited  Sky Studios. Since I’m really into drama, we created fake news reports and acted out different roles, which was amazing. It taught me so much about how things work behind the scenes and the different roles in that industry.

Talk about the particular skills that you learned as a scholar that have really helped you at Senior School…

There are definitely skills I’ve learned as a scholar. I’ve really learned how to revise and how not put it off and procrastinate. And I’ve also learned that to look ahead, don’t just look in the past and keep looking ahead at what you can do.

Being an 11 plus scholar really improved my confidence because I did my drama scholarship not thinking I was that good at drama. And when I got that, I was really confident about myself. It gave me a massive boost because then I thought, oh, I can actually do this. I am actually good at this. And then when coming to Senior School, being in all the plays, it really prepared me and it gave me a massive confidence boost to now.

What were your first impressions of Senior School? How do you feel that you have adjusted to the new routines and subjects?

My first impressions of Senior School were a mix of nerves and excitement. I had seen the school before, but I had never experienced the lessons. I was really excited to meet new teachers and take advantage of all the new opportunities. At the same time, I was a bit nervous about how much things would change, but in the end, everything was fine. Everyone is so nice, and there’s always support if you need it.

Adjusting to the new routines at Senior School was a bit tricky at first, especially figuring out where everything was. But once I got used to it, everything just clicked. Now, I find it really easy to adapt, even if there’s a change to my timetable or something new happens. Everyone is really supportive, which makes settling in much easier.

What can you tell us about the Nine Star program?

The Nine Star program started as something for academic scholars, but it has now expanded to include pupils who are mostly in Set One for STEM subjects. So far, I think we’ve had about four or five sessions, and they involve working with different teachers on a variety of challenges. For example, we’ve done code-breaking, learned how to solve a Rubik’s Cube, and played games that relate to real-life problem-solving. These sessions really help expand your knowledge and understanding, and they’re great fun.

I’ve really enjoyed the Nine Star sessions—they’re nothing to be scared of! They feel like an extra opportunity rather than extra work, and everyone enjoys them. They’re relaxed but also really engaging, so you learn a lot. Instead of thinking, “Oh no, I’ve got a Nine Star session,” you actually look forward to them each week.

Are they building a different way of thinking about things? A different way of solving problems?

Yeah, that’s exactly what it’s all about—building a different way of thinking. For example, when we did code-breaking, we had to consider how different people might have approached problems, which really made us think in new ways. The sessions help expand your knowledge and develop your thinking skills by encouraging you to look at problems from different perspectives.

In the very short amount of time since you have been at the school, you’ve done a lot of different things. What are you most proud of?

The thing I’m most proud of in Senior School so far is probably Chicago. The rehearsals were really long and intensive, and I had never experienced anything like that before. But when it all came together, it felt so special—especially as a drama scholar. I was really proud of myself for being part of it.

I’ve also really enjoyed being in the choir and orchestra. I love going to rehearsals, and I’m proud of myself for signing up and committing to them. Now, I even get to perform at Bridgewater Hall, which is an incredible opportunity!

Do you feel like the senior school is challenging you to step outside of your comfort zone?

Senior School is definitely challenging me to step out of my comfort zone. Before, I would only try things if I thought, “Oh, maybe I can do that.” But now, I’m pushed to take on bigger challenges. In Chicago, for example, I had to learn a lot of new choreography, which was a real challenge. In Chapel Choir, we sometimes have to learn songs really quickly—songs I’ve never sung before—but it has helped me improve so much.

I feel really supported when stepping out of my comfort zone. In choir, we have Ms. Parker, Mr. Seymour and Mr. Allinson, who are all incredibly encouraging. In drama, Ms. Pye and Ms. Hall are always there to help. All the teachers at Senior School are really supportive, and if you ever need to talk, your housemistress—like Mrs. Macdonald—or your Year 9 tutor is always available. They take the time to listen, which makes a huge difference.

What advice would you give to new Year 9s joining the school?

The best advice I would give to someone starting Year 9 next year is to do everything—jump at every opportunity, even if it feels a bit scary at first. You might think, “Oh, I’m too tired” or “I have too much prep,” but if you carve out time in your free time, you’ll be able to get involved in so many things.

If you don’t take part, you might look back and think, “I wish I had done that,” and you may not get another chance. So say yes to new experiences, push yourself, but most importantly, make sure you’re having fun!