insideKENT Magazine Issue 54 - September 2016 | Page 123

EDUCATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH Russell House: “Why I love this school so much…” What’s special about Russell House? Head girl Tabitha, provides insight gained from six years as a pupil as she prepares for her move to secondary school. I joined Russell House in Form 1 just after I turned five years old. I absolutely loved my first day and came home full of news, declaring to my mother that, "I wasn't ready to come home yet because I loved it so much!” And, six years later, I still feel the same way. What struck me, even from the beginning, was how utterly friendly everyone was! Like a big family away from home. Russell House is a place where everyone is friendly to each other, every day. It is a place that encourages people. It encourages them in all the things I love: academics, music, art and drama… It also encourages them in sports… But most importantly it encourages them to pursue their own particular interests and ambitions without feeling they will be judged or made fun of. lessons and the library and the umbrella tree. I’ll even miss line-up practice! Russell House encourages individuality: it allows people to be who they want to be. However, I know that wherever we’re going, whether we’re alone or with friends, nervous or excited, happy or sad, we all have a bright future ahead of us because our wonderful prep school has given us the best possible start.” My friends are one of the reasons why I love this school so much. And not just the kids in my form but everyone in the whole school. I think there will always be something special about the friendships we made here, where we really learned how to make friends. I honestly can’t imagine a better school than this, and I will be more than devastated to leave. I’ll miss our teachers and the playground and having lunch with the Nightingales. I’ll miss my music 127 Russell House is a co-educational school for children aged 2-11 in Otford, near Sevenoaks. Come and experience our happy, friendly atmosphere for yourself. Call our registrar, Mrs Roper, on 01959 522352 or visit www.russellhouseschool.co.uk.