As we say farewell to our S6 cohort and welcome them with open arms in the former pupil community we shine a light on Heriot’s Captains and Vice-captains.
Ally and Esme are sharing their experience from their time at Heriot’s.
How was your everyday life at Heriot’s?
Life at Heriot’s is fun. It is as simple as that. Of course, I always worked hard in my different classes, but most of the time, I was surrounded by my friends and so it just felt like we were always just having a bit of a laugh, whilst learning.
What were the most inspiring moments, you can think of, while being a Herioter?
In S5, Heriot’s carries out a trip to aid a Kenyan Primary School, Ethi Primary. The impact of simply our presence, let alone all the work we did to improve the school facilities, such as building toilets, brought the local children’s eyes to light. For me, there is nothing more inspiring than being able to bring genuine positive change to people’s lives.
Did you have any personal projects that teachers encourage you or help you achieve while at Heriot’s?
As a keen sportsman, playing hockey for Scotland at Under 16 and Under 18 level requires a lot of commitment. The school is really good at giving me the platform I need to progress and perform at the highest level.
How was your everyday life at Heriot’s?
I was excited to go to school every day. I loved to spend time with my friends, learn in a supportive environment with the encouragement from my teachers, and take part in a range of extracurricular activities.
What type of support and guidance do you receive when making plans for after school, i.e. work, travel, etc?
One thing for me that was incredibly helpful throughout S6 was all the support I was given throughout the university application process. The careers advisers and UCAS mentors kept me updated with deadlines, provided a lot of support as I wrote my personal statement, helped with my choices of universities to apply to, and continued this support once my application had been sent off and offers started to come in. It really put my mind at ease that I was in good hands and helped me navigate a system that was completely new to me. Though the majority of my peers have chosen the university route, it was really helpful that the careers team laid out all the options for after school, may that be a gap year, an apprenticeship, university, or another route. As a result of this, I didn’t feel that university was my only option.
What were the most inspiring moments, you can think of, while being a Herioter?
A talk from Polly Swan, Olympic rower, and former pupil, was a specific moment that was inspiring. Though I’ve never rowed, hearing her take on how she balanced her studies and rowing showed me that all my attention didn’t have to go towards schoolwork, and I could find balance with other interests. Throughout my time at Heriot’s though, what as really inspired me to put in effort and keep working hard was my teachers. My teachers’ passion for their subjects and faith in us was incredibly motivating.
Did you have any personal projects that teachers encourage you or help you achieve while at Heriot’s?
Teachers at Heriot’s generally encouraged any pupil project. Through a wide spread of pupil voice groups, teachers make time to listen to our thoughts and projects. For me, in the Rights Respecting Schools’ group and the pupil council, our feelings and ideas were always listened to.
