Have you ever wondered what day to day life is like at St Margaret’s School for Girls and what our pupils enjoy most? We asked prefect and VIS pupil, Ellen, to share her experience of school and highlights from her school career.
“My name is Ellen and I am currently in my final school year. St Margaret’s School for Girls is welcoming, supportive, inclusive and offers a real sense of community. Attending an all girls’ school has enabled me to gain confidence in an environment where I feel secure to express myself and participate in an open exchange of ideas.
St Margaret’s has been my second home for 15 years. Highlights and memorable experiences include: participating in senior school productions, residential trips, extra-curricular activities and in the many celebratory events organised by the Music Department to name but a few.
The school offers an ethos which nurtures creativity and enriching educational experiences by way of wide-ranging academic opportunities. I have developed a strong understanding of myself, while also empathising with others.
Music at St Margaret’s
The subject specialism which I particularly enjoy is Music. I participate in Baroque Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Chamber Choir and Concert Band. Being a part of these groups has nurtured my communication, team working skills, performance skills and musical creativity. I enjoy paying close attention to the actions and intentions of the other players which is crucial to develop empathy. The development of musical knowledge benefits my aural perception, verbal memory and resilience. Playing music provides me with enjoyment, pleasure and acts as a motivator. In addition, actively making music requires social engagement with others and performance opportunities that provide positive feedback and social affirmation.
Developing specialist musical skills would not be possible without the dedicated, caring and supportive staff of the Music Department who have engendered a love of music in me. They have been inspirational, acted as role models and have provided ongoing constructive feedback so as to improve my techniques. The teachers are very successful at engaging, motivating pupils and they are fully aware that young musicians need to have a positive musical identity, positive self-beliefs and enjoy performing to maintain commitment. In my opinion, the expert music tuition, hard work and ongoing encouragement from the music teachers are the key reasons why the Music Department continues to go from strength to strength and will remain an integral part of St Margaret’s culture.
Stand out moments and experiences for me include: participating in the Murray Competition, Informal Concerts, Easter Service, Autumn Concert and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.
Leadership roles
Being Dance Vice-Captain has afforded me the opportunity to develop soft and hard skills. My personal qualities of compassion and fair mindedness have been demonstrated to fulfil the responsibilities associated with this duty.
As a prefect I make sure that the student voice is represented in crucial decisions and developments within the school. I also enjoy assisting with charity and fundraising events.
UCAS application support
The UCAS Day 2023 organised by the Careers Department was a wonderful opportunity and the agenda included personal statements, degree links, student life, student accommodation, international opportunities within universities, and interview skills with Thorpe Molloy McCulloch Recruitment (TMM Recruitment) and Aberdeen Council of Voluntary Organisations. TMM Recruitment delivered a very interesting workshop outlining how to prepare for an interview. I recently had the good fortune to attend a short work experience placement with TMM Recruitment where I gained a very valuable insight into marketing through social media, invoicing, candidate compliance administration and interviews.
I thoroughly enjoy being part of the happy St Margaret’s School community. I will always appreciate the care and attention to detail that the school staff put into my education.”
To find out more about what St Margaret’s School for Girls can offer your daughter visit us on our next open morning on Friday 8 December or get in touch now for a personal tour (admissions@st-margaret.uk or 01224 584466).