A Day in the Life.....Eleri S Davies (SNH/DON, 23-24)

When were you at Christ College?

I was at Christ College for one academic year (23/24), during which I studied Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics at A-Level. Although my time there was relatively short, it helped shape my academic and personal growth which gave me the tools I needed to succeed.

Where are you working now and what does your role entail?

I work as a Resident GAP student at Terrington Hall Preparatory School. The school has just under 200 pupils aged 3-13 and is located in the Howardian hills, just north of York.

My role is very diverse, so I participate in almost everything the school have on offer - sports coach, lifeguarding, music lessons. Alongside assisting in the classroom and extracurricular activities, I take on boarding duties. This involves supervising the girls’ dorms in the boarding house every night and morning.

A typical day for me will start at 6:30am to prepare for waking the girls up.  We then go to breakfast with all the boarders- a highlight must be the amazing meals and food here. By 8:15am the school day starts, and I can be seen anywhere around the school from the Upper-Prep down to Pre-Prep assisting in PE lessons, swimming pool or break duties. Afternoons are a whirlwind of assisting in games sessions or attending fixtures at neighbouring schools. At 5:30pm I am back into boarding duties where we have tea and run evening activities that range from external trips to the cinema, board games, golf or outside games. I finish my day at 9:30pm by ensuring all the girls are in bed and ready for the next day. Every day is busy, however, working at an Independent Prep school like Terrington Hall continues to be an enjoyable experience and full of opportunities.

How did you end up there?

I secured my Gap year role through the Old Breconian Association. The association played a big role in connecting me with this opportunity, showcasing the strength and value of alumni networks.

The newly appointed headteacher of Terrington hall, Mr Huw Thomas, is also an Old Breconian, which created a natural link between Christ College and the prep school. Huw and his family have truly welcomed me and made me feel valued as a gap student here. I am grateful to be able to work alongside another OB and share the same link with Christ College.

How would you say Christ College Brecon helped to get you to where you are?

The connections I made at Christ College, especially with the Old Breconian network, were instrumental in leading me to this opportunity. The support from both teachers and alumni helped me realize my potential and gave me the direction to explore career paths. The school not only provided me with a solid academic foundation but also helped my character and leadership skills. Christ College fostered a sense of curiosity and responsibility, which ultimately inspired me to take on roles that challenge me and allow me to grow—like my current role as a gap student.

What have you got planned for the future?

Looking ahead, I am excited about the journey I have planned for my future. In September, I will begin studying Biomedical Engineering at university, a course that will provide me with a mix of medical technology and biological sciences, serving as a stepping stone towards my ultimate goal of becoming a doctor.