Amar-Rose

Amar Rose achieved A*A*A and A* in her EPQ, and is going to Magdalen College, Oxford, to read Classics.

‘I joined Christ’s Hospital in Second Form as a boarder. My sister came here years ago and, after returning from living in Egypt, I wanted a school that would challenge me academically. Christ’s Hospital felt different from the start. It’s somewhere you can have your own experience and become independent.

‘One of the biggest influences on me here has been the English Department. I’ve always loved reading, but my teachers encouraged me to find my own voice as a writer. I’ve already written lots of short stories and, for my EPQ, I wrote a short novel, which I’m editing this summer. I’d love to publish it one day. Ultimately, I’d like to become an author or perhaps a playwright, which is another reason I’m fascinated by the Classics. Latin literature underpins so much of the writing we still read today.

‘I’ve also loved being creative in other ways. I love drawing, even though I didn’t take Art as a GCSE. I often sketch the school grounds and work in the Art Department. One of the things I love about Christ’s Hospital is that you don’t have to study a subject formally; if you’re interested in something, people encourage you to get involved.

‘Outside the classroom, I’ve spent four years in the Navy section of the CCF. I joined because I love history and the Navy has a lot of that, and I also thought the uniform looked cool. But I stayed because of everything it has taught me. I’ve learned leadership skills, spent time sailing and, as chief petty officer, completed a course on how to teach younger cadets. That’s the thing about CH; there are loads of different and interesting opportunities that you can take advantage of just because they are there.

‘I also enjoyed taking part in Madame Bovary. I’d never really done drama before, but seeing how a production comes together, from acting to lighting and set design, was fascinating, particularly because I’m interested in writing for the stage.

‘Everyone here knows that many students receive bursaries, but beyond that it simply isn’t something people focus on. Nobody really talks about how much support someone receives because it doesn’t matter. What matters is that everyone is part of the same community.

‘When I think about what I’ll take away from Christ’s Hospital, cliché as it may sound, it’s the community. Living alongside people for seven years changes you. When I arrived, I was very shy. Today I’m a completely different person. I’ve grown in confidence, made lifelong friends and met people from all sorts of backgrounds. More than qualifications or exam results, that’s what Christ’s Hospital has given me. It has shaped me as a person.’