Grace, Alumna 2023

2023 Alumna and Head Girl for the academic year 2022-2023, Grace studied A Level history, geography and economics and currently studies International Relations and Politics at University.

Starting at Queen Anne’s in Lower 4, Grace spent her time in the lower school and middle school as a day girl but began flexi-boarding in the Sixth Form, meaning she spent a few nights a week staying over at school.

She was able to choose which days she stays over, which proved very helpful on the extended school days where Grace had lacrosse training. The busy life of a Sixth Former means boarding is a popular option for many students; Lower and Upper 6 students have greater freedoms, independence and enjoy spending time with their friends visiting Caversham and Reading. Grace enjoys sharing a room with her friends, and spending quality time with them during the evenings whether they’re watching a film or cooking together, Grace describes the boarding houses as a “community”.

Joining in Lower 4, Grace says she was a very different person, she was unsure of her interests so threw herself into life at the school and tried many of the activities in the co-curricular programme. Grace attributed her trailing of all that was on offer to the encouragement she received from not only the teachers but also the older students, saying “I felt no judgment in trying activities, even if they weren’t for me”.

The interests Grace gained in the lower school are ones she still has today, in particular, Lacrosse and Drama. Having never tried lacrosse before coming to Queen Anne’s, Grace first picked up a lacrosse stick in Lower 4 and has since pursued the sport competitively, representing the school in fixtures, events and the Nationals, a particular highlight in the QAS sporting calendar. at QAS, Grace played in the Senior 1^st team as straight defence.

Grace recognises that the support students receive in the Sixth Form enables them to make informed decisions about their futures. Grace and her peers have many opportunities to explore their options, via lectures, societies and through the support of teachers.

“Queen Anne’s shapes you by encouraging and motivating you to do things you never would have thought of doing”.

Working alongside fellow Head Girl Cesca, Grace enjoyed having a significant role in the school and was a good role model for the younger years. She assisted in bringing back all QAS traditions, post-covid that she enjoyed in the lower and middle school and will be ensured a continued sense of community and support that runs vertically through the school years.