Four Weeks In: Our International Boarders Make Denstone Home

Four weeks into the Michaelmas term, our international boarders are doing far more than settling in. They are leading, laughing, competing and learning, and making Denstone feel like home, both for themselves and for everyone around them.

This year our boarding community brings together students from Germany, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain and beyond. Some are starting their first term in the UK; others are returning Sixth Formers who now help newcomers find their feet. Here are just a few of their stories so far.

Leading from the front in the Upper Sixth

Seb, from Singapore, has fitted into Denstone life with ease since the day he arrived. He has been instrumental in building our full boarding community, making sure weekends are sociable rather than spent quietly in rooms. Academically he is thriving and is now aiming for a place at Oxford or Cambridge.

Outside the classroom, Seb is a regular in the gym, making the most of it in the evenings whenever it is open. He is also working towards his Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and as part of it gives up his time to help teach maths to younger pupils.

Lucas, from Germany, is one of our great success stories. He originally planned to join us for a term or two, but quickly fell in love with the place and signed up for the full A-level experience. Now firing on all cylinders, he has entered an economics essay competition run by the LSE, is setting up a new Economics Society, and serves as our Prefect of Internationalism. His sights are set on studying economics at a top university.

A competitive weightlifter, Lucas has made the most of both our gym and our on-site strength and conditioning coach. He takes his role-model status seriously, often starting games with younger boarders at weekend events. Many will remember Lucas and Seb charging around with water pistols, happily getting soaked along with everyone else.

Lucas has embraced the boarding trips programme too: three visits to Cliff Lakes, three to Alton Towers, and victory in the boarders' tennis tournament last summer.

New arrivals finding their feet

Starting at a new school in a new country takes courage. Bruno, who joined our Lower Sixth from Germany, found the first few days a challenge, but just weeks later he is starting to thrive. He has already shown off his sense of humour, which is no small feat in a second language, and feels comfortable joining in with everything.

Bruno has been on most of the trips and activities so far, including Cliff Lakes and Alton Towers. He has found a good group of friends and now spends many of his evenings outside with them, relaxing and socialising.

Friedrich, also from Germany, has thrown himself into his English lessons with real enthusiasm and is working hard to improve. He has been hugely positive about school life, getting the very best out of weekend activities such as padel trips and Alton Towers.

Shining in the classroom and the Houses

Manuela, from Spain, is an absolute pleasure to teach. She speaks advanced English alongside fluent Spanish and German, and still works hard every evening in the boarding house to improve further. In November she will perform on the guitar in a lunchtime recital.

In drama, Juan from Spain has been described by his teacher as "a total star". This week alone he earned two merits and a special mention for a brilliant classroom comedy sketch. His peers adore him, and he is throwing himself into Denstone life with complete enthusiasm.

In Lowe Lonsdale House, Jimena, also from Spain, has made a wonderful start in the Fourth Form. She has built lovely friendships and quickly found her place in House life. Teachers have been especially impressed by her confidence in asking for help when she needs it, a mature and proactive approach to learning.

Also in Lowe Lonsdale, Fifth Former Izabella from Saudi Arabia makes a hugely positive contribution to life at Denstone. Hardworking and conscientious, she is keen to get involved in House activities, particularly music, which she embraces with great energy. Her kindness and positive attitude make her an excellent role model for her peers.

Building confidence in English

A group of our newest students from many countries are working hard with Flash Academy to strengthen their English. Learning every subject in a new language is a big step, and they are adapting a little more each week, supported by our EAL team and boarding staff.

A home from home

What stands out four weeks in is how quickly our boarders from around the world have become part of one community. Older students look out for younger ones, weekends are full of shared adventures, and friendships are forming across languages and cultures.

We are proud of every one of them, and we cannot wait to see what the rest of the year brings.