FARRINGTONS SCHOOL Maria from Poland joined Farringtons School in September 2022. At first, she was anxious about the new environment and about speaking English, but she soon settled in as everyone was friendly and supportive. Maria now feels at home thanks to the teachers making sure she is happy and comfortable. Maria has enjoyed all the amazing weekend activities on offer; her highlights have been Elf the musical, Matilda and bowling. Maria has particularly enjoyed being surrounded by other international students in the boarding house, learning about different cultures and the history of different countries. Boarders have also helped to improve her German. Maria is studying Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Further Maths and is hoping to study Medicine at university. As part of the Floreat Programme Maria chose ‘Could Humanity Ever Achieve Immortality’ by using the CRISPR Method in gene editing as her EPQ topic and enjoyed the experience of visiting the Francis Crick Institute. Maria is also busy after school, helping run the Ballet and Jazz Clubs, teaching Year 7 and 8 pupils. Maria is often seen at the school’s gym and swimming pool and her favourite time of the week is when all the boarders come together to watch a film or participate in karaoke.
‘At first, I was anxious about the new environment, I was worried about speaking English as this is not my first language but everyone here was so nice to me and really supportive and that really helped me.’
33
