Pupil Perspectives

pupil perspectives

This page has been put together with the support of the Sixth Form Marketing pupil leaders with the aim of providing an overview of some of the many highlights and memorable moments from their time at Canford.

We hope you enjoy gaining an insight into what you can expect from your first Shell year, through to Sixth Form.

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Final week of the summer term

The Essence of Canford - A pupil view

Boarding Weekend Activities

Canford Colour Run 2019

Shells - The First Year

I love boarding because everyone makes it a really nice community as everyone is nice and friendly. I have made some really great friends and it has been so nice sharing a dorm with people as they have been really kind.

Annabel - Shells

Canford in a Nut Shell

This guide has been written and produced by seven Canford pupils in Year 9 ('Shell' year). Over the following pages you will find information about about school life at Canford from the pupil's perspective. We hope that it is helpful and gives you an idea of what it is like to be a pupil at Canford.

Shell Carousel

Canford believes in providing an all-round holistic education and the Shell Carousel is an excellent example of this. For young people to be exposed to activities for the first time provides new horizons and opportunities; to be challenged in ways that take pupils outside their comfort zone is a positive experience; and to learn some important life skills is certainly beneficial. These opportunities are the non-quantifiable parts of a true education and they play a huge part in developing teamwork, leadership, respect of others and emotional intelligence.

The aim of the Carousel is to enable all Shells to take part in the large range of superb activities on offer at Canford and to learn lots of new skills along the way.

If the pupils are really inspired by a particular activity, then they may choose to pursue this in the future and several of the Shells have chosen different activities and sports due to having enjoyed various blocks of the Carousel.

Day in the life of a Shell pupil

Shell GCSE Choices Evening

Trip Highlights

Geography Trip, Naples

Hockey Tour, Holland

Shell Photo Gallery

Fourths & Fifths - The GCSE Years

My Canford Highlights

Quotes from the Fourth & Fifth Form

Quotes from the Fourth & Fifth Form

The CCF trip to Snowdonia in 4th form was one of my favourite school trips ever as it was so much fun and such an adventure as we did a zip wire across a quarry and I learnt so much about myself and working in a team

Tallulah - Upper Sixth

It is really fun to get involved with all different aspects of school life. Drama can lead you into whole school productions which are always amazing and music can mean you can perform concerts in unique locations. I love boarding because there's such a family environment in the house. Upper and lower years can speak to each other about worries and concerns and will always help. The best trip I have been on was the Shell hockey tour to Holland which was amazing because we gained so much experience and came together as a team

Madie - Fifth Form

Boarding is great because you feel like part of a big family and you get to see your friends all the time

Honour - Fourth Form

The drama and music is very inclusive and there are loads of bands and groups you can be part of. Sports teams are always fun.

Amy - Fifth Form

You form some really strong and meaningful bonds at Canford and can enjoy getting involved in everything, especially the Music and Drama. There are lots of good opportunities to get involved and gain experience outside of your comfort zone.

Amanda - Fourth Form

Trip Highlights

CCF Norway trip 2019

Canford School CCF has been embarking for a number of years on a cross-country skiing expedition to Norway on what is described by all who go, as the toughest and the best trip the school offers. This year saw another twenty four cadets, a fifth of our Year 10s aged 14 to 15, challenging themselves in an alien environment, learning a completely new skill and then testing themselves, often to the limit, physically and mentally.

The first day of the expedition was amazing and it’s a day I will remember for the rest of my life. The experience to sleep in a snow hole with all of your friends is an amazing experience. We made the snow hole in three hours and at the end of it we all felt exhausted and ready for a good night’s sleep - luckily, we had one! It was really rewarding and something that nobody will ever forget.”

The first day of the expedition was long and nearly all uphill. In the last hour we had a blizzard and a white-out whilst on a very steep slope. It was really tough but the sense of achievement and relief when we got to the hut was great.”

The second day was my favourite as the weather was lovely and the route mostly flat. Seeing the reindeer was completely surreal and put me in a great mood the rest of the day.”

CCF Norway Trip 2019

Italy Rowing Camp - 5ths, L6, U6

History Battlefields Trip, France

CCF Trip, Snowdonia

Spanish tapas evening

fifth form dinner

Sixth Form - The A Level Years & Preparing for life after Canford

My Canford Highlights

Quotes from Sixth Form pupils

Quotes from Sixth Form pupils

Competing in the Football cup was a highlight of my Canford career as the camaraderie made me feel included

Ben - Upper Sixth

Taking part in overseas sports tours such as the rowing trip to Italy has expanded my horizons

Richie - Upper Sixth

My favourite experience was being involved in my House play because it allowed me to have a go at being on stage for the first time supported by my friends, it is an experience I will never forget and I had the time of my life rehearsing and performing.

Nat - Upper Sixth

So much fun mixing between years and making friendships across the school. I take part in 6 different sports, music groups, been part of four theatrical productions, Marine NCO in the CCF and I have represented my House in all competitions and I have continued with it all because of the high standard and quality it is run at. I love boarding because of the bond you form with friends and relationships made. Like a family.

Izzy - Lower Sixth

I have really enjoyed hockey throughout my time at Canford even though I am not in the best team I still get to play matches and have fun training sessions. I also love doing cross country and it has really helped improve my fitness and recently has put me in good stead for a half marathon.

Lucy - Upper Sixth

Sixth Form Life at Canford

L6 Partnership Trip - Ghana

L6 Partnership Trip - India

Lower Sixth Careers Symposium

Pre-U Art Exhibition in London

A Level Classics Dinner

Ghana Fundraising Dinner

Your Final Day at Canford

Speech Day 2018

Prize winners

Speech Day picnic

Canford Gallop

Canford Blog - Pupil contributions

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“Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon” (Milton Friedman). How useful is Friedman’s argument for understanding the current inflationary pressures?”

Oscar (Upper Sixth) IEA Competition Essay Dorian Fisher Memorial Prize

Oct 25 2022

We are thrilled for Upper Sixth pupil Oscar whose essay entitled “Inflation is always and everywhere a monetary phenomenon” (Milton Friedman). How useful is Friedman’s argument for understanding the current inflationary pressures?” has been rated in the top 10 among all entries in this year’s Dorian Fisher Memorial Prize organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA).

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Poem: Nature's Symphony

Jasmine (Lower Sixth) - Hengistbury Head Writing Competition 2022 - Under 18 category winning entry

Oct 10 2022

Congratulations to Lower Sixth pupil, Jasmine, on her winning entry in the Hengistbury Head Writing Competition 2022 Under 18 category.

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Are men and women psychologically different? Does it matter?

Charlie (Upper Sixth) - John Locke Institute Global Essay Competition shortlisted entry

Sep 26 2022

Congratulations to Upper Sixth pupil, Charlie, on being shortlisted in the prestigious John Locke Global Essay Competition 2022. Charlie was awarded a commendation and will attend an awards ceremony in October.

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The Blue Bubble student newspaper - Summer Term 2022

Articles written and edited by Canford School pupils

Jun 8 2022

Please enjoy reading the latest issue of The Blue Bubble student newspaper. This fantastic publication is written by our talented pupils and staff.

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BCP Youth Parliament elections

Leo (Lower Sixth) - Campaign Policies and Speech

Feb 18 2022

Lower Sixth pupil Leo is currently campaigning as a candidate in the current Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Youth Parliament elections. Here's Leo's policies he is campaigning for during his election campaign to achieve change, and the speech he gave to Canford Sixth Form pupils on 14th February.

Leo said:

It was wonderful to see so many politically engaged young people taking an interest in the issues faced by #ourgeneration and the policies that #ipromise to implement to #aimforchange."

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