“I’m always excited for my violin lessons at school.”

Meet Ayana

YEAR 5 PUPIL – 2023/24

A young girl in school uniform, stood outside
I joined Clock House in Year 4 and I am now in Year 5. I found the transition to the school easier as my two older sisters, who are now both in Senior School, were already pupils here.

I remember everyone at Clock House being very welcoming when I first joined, especially my Year 4 teacher, Mrs Atkinson. Mrs Atkinson introduced me to my buddy who I have become good friends with. Having a buddy really helped me to settle in and make new friends.

We get so many opportunities at Clock House. Science is my favourite subject because I like doing the different experiments. I also like that we can go on residentials, which I didn’t get to do in my previous school. We’ve recently been on a residential where we did lots of activities like rock climbing and canoeing. It was fun to make friends with more people, but I did miss my cats whilst I was away!

I’ve played instruments from a young age.

I started to learn the piano at the age of six and then the violin later in Year 1. I enjoy how different both instruments are, it’s interesting how some notes are similar but played in different ways. Having sisters that are also musical motivates me to improve, as I would like to reach the same level as them.

I found learning the piano quite difficult when I first started, however, I kept practising and started to really enjoy playing as I saw myself improve. My advice to anyone who would like to play an instrument would be if you find it hard, just to keep doing it because you will get better.

I’m always excited for my violin lessons at school.

When it’s time for my lesson, I walk from Clock House to the Music Department in Senior School. I find it fun walking over and trying to spot my sisters, so I can say hi to them! I love entering the Music Department – each time I look at all the instruments and I wonder how people play all the different types. I’d like to learn to play as many instruments as possible, particularly the saxophone.

I’ve learnt so much taking lessons at school. Before, I never used to hold my bow properly, but since doing lessons at BGS, Mrs Davis has taught me the correct way.

My proudest achievement of my musical journey so far is achieving a Grade 1 in piano. I was stressed before the exam but now I have completed it, I’m excited to work towards Grade 2.

Aside from playing the violin and piano, in my free time I enjoy drawing.

No one taught me how to draw, it was just something I picked up myself. Joining the Art Club at BGS has allowed me to develop this passion, and I’m currently involved in creating decorations for the Year 6 production.

Looking ahead, I’m excited for the new school developments to be completed – me and my friends think it will be really cool. I’m hoping this will give me an opportunity to become a buddy for a child joining Reception. Year 6 pupils used to help look after me when I was in Reception, I hope with the new development, there will be a chance for me to do the same.

“My advice to anyone who would like to play an instrument would be if you find it hard, just to keep doing it because you will get better.”

Ayana, Year 5 pupil