Emma George (L 2010-15) - Through the Lens of Coronavirus.

“Last year, walking home from St Bees train station, I remember having an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia as I caught sight of a group of children walking through the school’s grounds, wearing the blue-checked kilts I associate so heavily with my school days. It hadn’t set in until that moment that St Bees was actually open again; that my school, which I and my friends fought so hard for, was again giving pupils the chance to experience a St Bees education. Being told the school was closing was undoubtedly an awful moment, yet even then we, as pupils, banded together as one to fight for our school. I remember sticking up posters with my friends, putting together ‘Save St Bees School’ campaign videos, and working together to try and find a way to save the school we all loved (alongside doing our GCSEs!). It is a testament to St Bees that we were willing to fight for it - for our friends, who became family, the wonderful staff, location and so much more - and while we couldn’t keep it open then, knowing it is open now is a victory in itself.

Now, coronavirus has shut the gates of the school to its pupils - but this time only physically. Spiritually and technologically I can see that the school is thriving, despite not being involved in it myself. Walking past the other day, seeing the buildings empty again, gave a brief sense of sadness - unhappy memories of the years when that seemed to be its permanent state. But now that sadness is overpowered by hope and inspiration, knowing that pupils are learning online, and will again get to experience the wonderful educational and character-building journey St Bees will bring. I have no doubt that the school is different from when I was there myself, but the changes I have seen only seem to go above and beyond my memories. The foundations of care and commitment to students are still present, but have been enhanced by the new curriculum and international focus, which I would have loved to see.

St Bees School, for me, gives memories of extraordinary happiness. Some of the greatest memories I have include performing in school plays, playing hockey with the girls, school concerts, practising ambushes in CCF on Thursdays, and being able to take off your blazer and tie on ‘officially hot’ days. St Bees gave me the opportunity to partake in many things which I wouldn't have had access to anywhere else, and opening myself up to those opportunities was important, as the more I got involved, the more I got out of it. It definitely made me a more confident person, and helped to craft who I am today. Despite the craziness of coronavirus, the fact that I can look at an empty school and be confident about its future speaks highly of the amazing work which has gone into it over the past few years. Having heard about the school from a young age from my grandpa - David Lyall - former Eaglesfield housemaster and mathematics teacher - it brings me such joy to see the school he treasured returning to its former glory. I look forward to hearing what impact the new generations of St Bees students go on to have in the world, as I’m sure they will be ones to watch.”

 

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The St Beghian Society    
St Bees School,    St Bees,    Cumbria,    CA27 0DS.

         Tel: (01946) 828093      Email: osb@stbeesschool.co.uk      Web: www.st-beghian-society.co.uk