Emma

Ross

People often refer to this school as their second family, and I would definitely agree.  Every teacher knows every student, whether they teach them or not, creating a caring atmosphere throughout the school.  The teachers are approachable and easy to talk to if you ever have any problem or concern; they will take time to do whatever is needed to make you happier.

The main way this school differs from others is that every student is treated as an individual.  There is a positive vibe throughout the school which makes everyone want to learn and do their best.

To make life more enjoyable, the school offers over 50 different clubs.  Many are sports related and for a relatively small school we really do well on the sporting side, with teams reaching very high levels and many students competing at county and national level with an Olympic hopeful.  There is also a wide variety of non-sporting clubs, like music and drama.  We even have a Britain's Got Talent Finalist!  There are over 40 house competitions as well as many trips and charity events to take part in.  There really is something for everyone.

Small class sizes mean teachers get to understand how each student learns best, so lessons can be tailored to help every student reach their full potential.  For example, when I joined the school I was predicted straight D grades, but through individual support and encouragement I am now achieving As and Bs in my subjects.  I recently got an A* in my Maths GCSE which I took a year early.

The school also has a fantastic learning support department which I went to in year 7, 8 and 9.  The one-on-one support helped to build my confidence and explore different ways to learn and revise, making me a more independent learner and enjoy learning more. 

I am not entirely sure what I want to do in the future, but the "Next Step" evening, college talks and work experience that the school have offered have given me really good ideas.  They have enabled me to explore a wide variety of future options and understand what I need to do to achieve what I want in the future.

After my taster day in year 6 I can remember saying "I want to start there tomorrow" and that is a decision I will never regret.

I've been at this school for a little over four years now, still can't believe it!  Seems like only yesterday I finished my first day and my mum took a picture of me in front of the school, with my over-sized tie and polished black shoes.  Now its drawing to a close.

But what a brilliant four years(and the rest of this year) I've had.  The school has given me so much more confidence and made me a stronger and more ambitious person.  It has pushed me, with grit and determination, to achieve what I thought was impossible academically.  I am getting As and A*s in my subjects - all of which I love.  And socially it turned me from a shy little boy to a friendly and assertive boy (not so little though - I'm 6'2").

This school is unique - fact.  There is a very caring environment, like a family, where everybody knows each other - students and staff.  Our small size means that teachers and students look out for each other and support is available to anyone who needs it.  I do realise how lucky I am as I gaze out of the Geography room onto the 23 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland, seeing people I know laughing, chatting and playing.  I could go on to say about the amazing results we get, but for me it just isn't important.  It's about the community we have that makes us the school we are, and you won't find another like it.

I hope to go to University after college, studying Physics or Engineering, because I hope to become an Engineer of some sort.  But that's a way off yet, although I'm sure it will come around soon enough.  The truth is, although I'm excited about life outside of the school gates, it comes with a slight sense of sadness.  I know I will miss this place, the friends I've made and the memories we share.

The Gregg School has been to me, and will continue to be to others, an amazing journey of discovery, development and nourishment that has made me the person I am today.  I would not have wished to go anywhere else.