Our Stories

Ambition: to study Classics at university and to join the Civil Service or Foreign Office

‘I joined St George’s in Primary 3 when my family relocated from Birmingham. We looked at other Edinburgh schools but decided we liked the smaller size of St George’s and the fact it was a girls’ school. I do think that school life has been easier for me without the distraction of boys at school. I am confident and happy to have a go at everything.

‘For my Highers I studied Maths, English, Chemistry, History and Latin. When I moved to Upper 6, I knew that my interests were in Latin and Classics, and I took Latin, English and History for my Advanced Highers.

‘In Lower Sixth I had a week’s work experience in the offices of the Chief Medical Officer. I gained helpful insight into possible careers in the Civil Service and the Foreign Office, and I had the opportunity to speak to a whole range of people.

‘I also took part in Scotland’s Young Enterprise Company Programme. This gave me a taste of experiencing what it’s like to set up and run a student company. I was the MD for our company ‘Zodiac’. We had to make all the business decisions, which included creating a brand, sourcing the product, writing a business plan and selling our product. We set up Zodiac star sign necklaces and sold them at a public Christmas Fair.

Broadening my horizons

‘This year I attended school support sessions for preparing for the Oxbridge admissions process. I had regular one to one meetings with my Latin teacher who helped me prepare the essays and translations I had to submit. I also attended a weekly group session with other Oxbridge candidates where we each presented a piece of reading to the group followed by a collective discussion.

‘As Deputy Head Girl, I have been fortunate to represent the school on a number of occasions. I enjoy meeting new families and telling them about my experiences.'

‘I would say that in Upper Sixth there is more freedom and you are expected to be more independent, which has suited me. I like the strong sense of community. The inter-house events each term are great fun, and everyone gets to know one another. There is something for everyone to try here, and always new opportunities as you move up the school.’