I am Nathan, I am in year 11 and have been at the school for about 10 years. When I was asked to do this speech, I started look back at my time here at school. It is full of wonderful memories, friendship and learning. It has been a journey which has had a hiccup here and there, yet I have loved it all. It has developed me it to the young man who stands in front of you today. The same young man that five years ago probably would not be caught dead up here. The school is like a second home that has been a wonderful, loving environment to grow up in. I have reflected on two areas at my time at the school and how it has influenced me:
Firstly Who I am
- Freedom with structure
At school there are many opportunities to do things, but there is a limit especially in sport. So the school supports you in all that you do inside and out. For example, Kai, a year 10, runs at national level. So school makes sure she can go to events but also that the work is still done. I am into photography, so school lets me take photos at school events.
- Responsibility
Not just with the work, but every day school life. Jobs, school council, events, looking out for each other. Everyone throughout the school is given responsibility, both for themselves and for others. Whether helping at events, clean up team or looking after each other.
- Work ethic
It is something we all have, but at school it is something you develop. You come out of school with the ability to get work done, homework in on time and to self-study, which is something rare. While looking at 6th Forms, when asked about which school I go to I say the Christian School Takeley. They know that each students from here has the ability needed to work hard and succeed in higher education.
- Support
I am dyslexic and it is been something school and I have worked on. I have become more confident in my writing and have had opportunities that I wouldn’t otherwise have had, if at another school. As a dyslexic, I wouldn’t have normally had a chance to study Spanish but at school I have and I am hoping to get a B grade. Due to the support and the extra mile teachers go to at this school there isn’t just one lesson plan; there are more like 7 lesson plans, 1 for each child, because the teachers set goals and work with the students, work is tailored to them.
Secondly, Family
- We all have one, outside of school.
- At TCST we have two; you know everyone’s name, even the teacher’s first names. You know what everyone is up to, how they are. If there is a problem then you try to help them.
- Caring
Everyone looks out for each other, cares and welcomes in new people. I remember talking to someone that had been at the school a couple of weeks and they said it felt like they had been here forever. Also, if some is upset you check they are ok and help them if they want help.
- Even when we don’t get on we still look out for each other:
Like every family you have rough patches with someone, but you still get on. If there is an issue it isn’t swept under the carpet but instead sorted out. You may not like someone but you still get on and work with them.
- Forever
I have made friendships that will last for ever. As the school is so close and tight knit, it feels like you have two families and have friendship that last forever.
I know that your children will enjoy their time here as much as I have, in a place that is like a second home and second family. I will say just one last thing from Steve jobs “If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.” I have found it here, will you?
