A Student's Perspective - Boys' House 6th Form
At first, I suppose to anyone, it seems a daunting prospect joining the largest and most well-known music school in the British Isles. I had been well warned of the demands of the place, lectured severely on the arduous practice routine by, amongst others, my parents, and to someone who had only entered the grounds once to do his audition, it was easy to assume that the school was somehow elitist (just one of the stereotypes applied to those of us on the “inside”). And so, one sunny day in September 2004, I set off down the M74 with my trusty pencil and manuscript, ready to begin life in the big city...
A Student's Perspective - Girls' House, 6th Form
I love living in Girls’ House. Since my first day I have felt welcomed and, despite initially being in an unfamiliar environment, at home. The house-assistants are lovely, and always willing to talk, whether just for a chat or about something more serious. Although there is generally a relaxed atmosphere, it is also easy to work when we need to – particularly as if we get stuck we can nearly always find someone who is doing the same prep (homework).
A Student's Perspective - Day Student
There are many challenges that arise, for both students and teachers, when attending specialist music schools, boarding schools or even schools with few students. The main challenges are often: a healthy balance between academic and musical commitments, a happy and relaxed environment for boarders with reliable and secure pastoral care, and a sense of unity and community. Having now attended Chets for four years, I still never cease to be amazed at how well these challenges are dealt with, to the point where they no longer seem evident in daily life.
A Student's Perspective - Boys' House, Middle School
This is my first year at Chets in Form 3 (Year 9). I, like many of the students here, am a boarder in Boys’ House (made up of about 120 boys aged 13-18). Aside from trips back to my house, I have spent the whole year living in Boys’ House. Boarding life at Chets is fun and exciting and, by and large, is quite similar to life at home. There is an incredible variety of people, many of them multi-national coming from different backgrounds and aiming for different things.
A Student's Perspective - Girls' House, Middle School
I have been at Chetham’s (Chets) for a year and it has been the best year of my life. Although I am a “newbie” I was made extremely welcome by both staff and students alike. Boarding was a new experience for me but I easily slipped into the routine and have had many exciting moments with my dorm mates and friends. This past year has been fun and full of thrills. Dorm life is great and I love the independence I have gained! I have rarely been homesick and my family was only a phone call away when the rare pangs of homesickness hit me.
A Student's Perspective - Victoria House
Chetham’s School is a fantastic place for learning music and academic subjects. When I received the information pack a few months before I started Chets, I read the countless letters saying: the pupil will need to prepare this and that, will need to bring this and that, and will need to remember this and that.
A Student's Perspective - Chorister
Ever since I first arrived at Chetham's, my life changed completely. My love for music has become stronger each year. I started here when I was nine years old, as one of the choristers in the Manchester Cathedral Choir, and I felt an immediate adoration for music and singing.
