Saturday School

When conducting tours for prospective parents, I always pay close attention to the reactions of their children when the inevitable conversation of Saturday school emerges. I distinctly remember being in their shoes, an apprehensive ten- or eleven-year-old, walking around Oundle’s large campus and passing crowds of children twice my height. Whatever their feelings about the School – excitement or nerves – reality seems to kick in when it is revealed that they will be stripped of their precious weekends. I do not blame them. Before joining Oundle, my Saturday schedule was, mildly speaking, relaxed. I relished those quiet afternoons spent doing very little. Even so, being well into my fifth year of Saturday school, I can now say in full honesty that it is not as bad as my ten-year-old self made it out to be.  

A longstanding tradition within Britain’s independent school community, the six-day week of lessons provides an extra two hundred minutes of teaching time meaning that our holidays are longer than those of many day schools. However, undeniably it is the School’s use of Saturday afternoons which is most worthwhile. Every week, without fail, a vast array of competitive fixtures is put on for pupils against Oundle’s local schools, including but not limited to Uppingham, Oakham, Rugby, Bromsgrove and Stamford. This weekend, Oundle will be competing across a wide number of sports ranging from hockey to football to fives to badminton.  

However, even after an exciting afternoon of sport, pupil activities carry on well into the evening. One common occurrence among the boarding houses is the “House Swap”. Organised by the heads of houses, the “House Swap” is quite a self-explanatory concept. Every few weeks, two houses will get together for supper followed by an evening catching up or playing games. These evenings enable pupils to interact with others beyond the people in their House or in their lessons.  

Pupils also often have the opportunity to watch their peers performing in the Stahl Theatre. Last weekend, the cast of ‘Flood’ took the stage for a series of magnificent performances warning about the consequences of climate change. School productions are always highly attended with the bi-annual school musicals often selling out within a few days. This should come as no surprise with such a talented group of directors and students available. 

There is no getting over the fact that Saturday school does take some adjusting to. There are still mornings that I wake up and wish I could have a couple more hours in bed. However, these days not only provide valuable lesson time but also set the grounds up for a productive and fun-filled evening.