“During lunchtimes, I’m usually busy with an activity or club – I like to throw myself into new opportunities.”

Meet Florence

YEAR 5 PUPIL – 2023/24

A young dancer smiling outside
I joined Clock House last September, in Year 5.

It was quite nerve-wracking starting a new school as I didn’t know anyone, but I quickly connected with people. Everyone was so kind, which made it easy to settle in.

Each day, I take the train to and from school – this was a new experience for me when I joined Bradford Grammar. At first, it felt unusual but there are people to help, so I quickly became used to it.

I have many interests, including dance, cross-country running and music.

I complete most of my hobbies outside of school, but I do also take part in clubs at BGS. During lunchtimes, I’m usually busy with an activity or club – I like to throw myself into new opportunities. I had never tried gymnastics until recently when I was invited to join the gymnastics club and I am now practising routines for upcoming competitions. I think gymnastics came quite naturally to me because of my dance experience.

I’ve danced for around six years and I dance almost every day – on Saturdays I dance from 9.30am to 5pm!

Dance helps me to let out my emotions, whether I’m feeling happy or sad. I dance many genres and find that each one helps me show different emotions. My highlight is the Christmas lights switch-on where we perform each year. If you’re thinking about starting a dance class but feel hesitant my advice would be to just give it a go! No one will care if you get it wrong, you’re there to enjoy yourself.

I first got into cross-country running at my previous school.

My family like running so I thought why not give cross-country a go! Watching the Olympics also inspired me – I get really excited if someone from the UK wins. I hope to go to the Olympics one day. Before a race, I usually go for a run near my house to prepare. Then, on race day, I calm my nerves by doing a jog on the spot or warming up. During the race, I pace myself, I jog the first lap, speed up for the second and sprint at the end. Even though it’s hard, it’s a nice feeling when you get to the finish line and feel a sense of achievement.

Music is another passion of mine.

I like to sing and I also play the piano. My mum is my singing teacher and my role model – she also helps me play the piano. I have been singing with my mum for about five years. Right now, I’m working on my Grade 4 in Musical Theatre Singing. I also sing in the rock band club at school, which is lots of fun.

I manage to balance school with my hobbies because I like being busy.

I make sure to go to bed early, I think it’s important to have a good night’s sleep. I usually do my homework on a Tuesday after I come back from my contemporary dance class, and then I watch some TV to chill out. It also helps that I receive so much support from my family and I like that family members are proud of me.

I hope to stay on at Bradford Grammar School and be a surgeon one day – I will continue to dance though!

“Everyone was so kind, which made it easy to settle in.”

Florence, Year 5 pupil