Next in our Sports Alumni series, we are pleased to share the reflections of Felix, Jacob and Samuel, three of our sports scholars who left St Margaret’s in 2021.
It was a strange year for our Year 6 pupils with Covid and home learning having interrupted the usual state of play. It was the year our pupils sat their entrance tests remotely, yet we were delighted to have 11 pupils leave with scholarships that year. Felix and Samuel headed to Warminster and Jacob to Prior Park – it was lovely to hear from them all after their first year in their Senior Schools.
Felix:
1. What have you been up to since you left St Margaret’s?
I have been busy settling into my new school and focusing on my passion for sport. I play hockey for Wiltshire and I love rugby, hockey and cricket the most.
2. What are your standout memories of St Margaret’s?
Winning the Progress Cup in Year 3 and the Sports Cup in Year 6… and the lunches as they were very good!
3. What did you enjoy most about your time at St Margaret’s?
The sports facilities at the school - especially the swimming pool!
4. We talk to our pupils about ‘Inspiring Excellence’- giving their best shot, learning from their mistakes and not being afraid to take a risk. How does this relate to you/your story.
My brother and my Mum went to Dauntsey's, I passed the exam to Dauntsey's and got a place but decided to go to Warminster as I liked the school better. It was a big risk as I knew Dauntsey's but did not know Warminster. I am glad I took the risk as I am loving my new school and have made some amazing friends!
5. What advice would you give our pupils who would like to pursue a passion in a sport?
You might have a bad day, play badly, lose focus and get frustrated but the next day will be better!
Jacob:
What have you been up to since you left St Margaret’s?
I am now at Prior Park College, in Bath having joined in 2021 as a Sports and Academic scholar. I am really enjoying hockey and have made the Wiltshire team this year. Over the last year, I have also represented the Wiltshire Under-12 and Under-14 badminton teams and recently represented Prior Park in a badminton tournament. I also love playing cricket and was awarded the coach's player of the season in July.
What are your standout memories of St Margaret’s?
My favourite memories of St Margaret's are attending the IAPS swimming finals at the Olympic aquatic park in London, achieving the attainment award in Year 4, Littlecote house winning Sports Day in my final year, and receiving the cup as House Captain.
What did you enjoy most about your time at St Margaret’s?
I obviously loved Sport at St Margaret's, but I also loved everything else too. I especially loved attending the labs at St Mary's in Year 5 to do Science.
We talk to our pupils about ‘Inspiring Excellence’- giving their best shot, learning from their mistakes and not being afraid to take a risk. How does this relate to you/your story?
Not being afraid to take a risk: very few people from St Margaret's had been awarded sports scholarships to Prior Park historically. I really wanted to go to Prior Park on a sports scholarship, as the facilities were great and I felt really at home when I visited. I really had to work on my fitness at home during Covid, to ensure I was in the best position to achieve a scholarship when I took the assessment. This was a risk because I knew there was only a small chance of getting a sports scholarship.
What advice would you give our pupils who would like to pursue a passion in a sport?
Keep going and keep concentrating on the things you can control. If you want something bad enough and work hard enough, at some point you will be successful.
Samuel:
What have you been up to since you left St Margaret’s?
Playing lots ofrugby and working out in the gym at Warminster School, where I have learned a lot.
What are your standout memories of St Margaret’s?
One of my strongest memories is being coached rugby by Mr Dury.
What did you enjoy most about your time at St Margaret’s?
I loved playing sports at St Margaret's.
What advice would you give our pupils who would like to pursue a passion in a sport?
Take ice baths for recovery and ignore anyone who might be unsupportive.
We talk to our pupils about ‘Inspiring Excellence’- giving their best shot, learning from their mistakes and not being afraid to take a risk. How does this relate to you/your story?
I am never afraid to take risks and I give it all I have to give, not holding back or doing things half heartedly has worked for me!
