Experiencing the ‘Hough’ Life

Continued overleaf

After doing A Level Biology, Computer Science and Mathematics at Brentwood, Maksim has decided to study Food Science at the University of Leeds, and hopes to build a career in the food manufacturing industry.

When arriving at Brentwood School in August 2017, I could not even imagine how two years could just fly by so quickly and now I am leaving! How much I want to go back to that arrival and experience everything from the start of my very first week of school.

Compared to my previous school in Spain, Brentwood, and of course life in Hough House, is much more dynamic and quite demanding. As a Sixth Form boarder, my day starts at around 7.30am and ends at 8-9pm. You may think that sounds like too much work, or that you won’t have much freedom, however, that’s not true at all. All the organisation is done automatically by the iPad which every student in school has and all you have to do is follow the calendar and tasks to be done.

all Sixth Formers in School, giving you plenty of time to have lunch with friends in one of the many restaurants. The choice of food and cuisine is extensive and you won’t get bored, I promise.

“I wouldn’t have been able to do so many activities if I had not been a boarder.”

At weekends, boarders can go to London (just 20 minutes by train) and spend time there. Over the last two years I have been to London several times and managed to see many of the famous parks, museums, theatres and try British cuisine in different parts of the City.

Getting to know each other and making new friends in Hough is as easy as synchronising that iPad. This is simply because everyone is in the same boat as you from the first day in the House. Mr and Mrs Taylor, Hough Housemaster and

Issue 6June 2019

ww

w.b

ren

two

od

sch

oo

l.co

.uk

/bo

ard

ing

When talking about freedom, all boarders are allowed to go to the High Street for an hour every day after school. If there is something urgent, Sixth Formers may also be allowed to leave the House after dinner, nevertheless in practice no one uses that time as there is everything you need in the House for a comfortable life. Going to the High Street during lunch time is also allowed for

Housemistress, do everything they can to make Hough a nice place in which to live.

For instance, we are allowed to order some extra food (i.e. biscuits, yoghurts, tea, rice) and there is always plenty of fruit and milk available in a fully-equipped kitchen. We’ve now got a brand new computer room with lovely views to the patio and school fields, contributing to a perfect atmosphere in which to study. There are also TV and games rooms with a PlayStation, pool, Sky TV and table-tennis, giving you a chance to relax and have fun with your Hough friends.

“Our motto is ‘Life through Friendship’ and during my time here I have made some wonderful life-long friends.”

Hough House Matron, Jane is an absolute star: she cleans, she washes our dirty laundry and always has spare shirts, ties and socks. She is such a valuable and friendly person, the House would not be the same without her.

supportive to the other boys in the House. Hough and Brentwood School have given me great opportunities and a lot of happy memories which will remain with me for a very long time.

When I leave the House on my last day, I leave knowing I am a more confident and independent person. I am pleased that I attended Brentwood School and being part of such a vibrant boarding community.

Our motto is ‘Life through Friendship’ and during my time here I have made some wonderful life-long friends.

If you have been inspired by Maksim’s boarding story, don’t forget to explore boarding at Brentwood School on our website www.brentwoodschool.co.uk/boarding or by using the following QR code:

ww

w.b

ren

two

od

sch

oo

l.co

.uk

/bo

ard

ing

The variety of different social events, including trips held throughout the year, create fantastic memories and help me to get to know more about my fellow boarders.

Mr Taylor organises multiple trips to theme parks, paintball, karting, free-jumping centres, Christmas shopping and this year we saw ‘Thriller Live’ in the West End of London.

Living in Hough doesn’t just enhance your social skills, but teaches you how to be kind, caring and

“It has been such a rewarding experience which I wouldn’t change for the world!”

Maksim Ivanov, Hough House August 2017 - July 2019