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.
I myself, am a Day Student, however I still receive the same level of care as Boarders, and the same facilities and opportunities. Within Boys’ House there are brilliant facilities, a ‘quiet room’ where you can read, two common rooms (both with surround sound and large televisions, meaning you can watch the large selection of DVDs in style – an option that I often make use of) and showers (which as a non boarder I use less regularly).
Due to the small nature of the school, it has a distinct family feel, which when I first arrived was evident from the start. Often you are not only friends with your year group but with people from other year groups as well, and you more or less see most people every day (admittedly making it hard to evade the necessary teachers to whom you owe homework!). In a school where such a high level of both musical performance and academic standards is required, it can become a little strained and stressful. Communication between instrumental teachers and academic staff can sometimes break down causing confusion, however this is often short-lived and it is surprising how little this happens. I have always found academic teachers to be understanding when concerning my musical commitments and vice-versa. For me, time at Chets has always been happy and well spent, whether it be practising, doing work in the library, watching DVDs or simply having fun with friends. There is little I would change.
Hector Docx
Lower 6th Form
