In January, the College opens its doors to prospective parents and pupils who are beginning the process of choosing their secondary school. Guests visit teachers and pupils in the classrooms to learn more about the curriculum and programming and to hear first-hand from our pupils about their experiences of attending the College. 

Parents and pupils can also attend a presentation from the Headmaster and hear from Mr Robinson about his philosophy on why an all-boys education is very relevant today but also hear from currents pupils and parents too. Three boarders were involved in speeches to visitors this year: Cameron and Odhran, Year 8 and Alex, Year 14. We thought you would enjoy learning what the boys had to say and with their permission, we have provided their speeches for you below.

The boys impressed visitors not just with the content but in their confidence. It was notable to parents that even in Year 8, boys were able to communicate their love of the school. Well done to Cameron, Odhran and Alex!

Cameron, Year 8

Hi, I am Cameron and I am a Year 8 boarder. Before I started in Year 8, I went to a primary school in Inverness, which is in the Highlands in Scotland. I chose to come to Campbell College because when I was in P7, my rugby club went on a tour to Armagh and it was recommended to my dad. I thought Campbell was going to be great for me because of all the opportunities that I would get that I wouldn't receive at my old school. I remember coming to Campbell for the first time and thinking - was this school going to be fun? Turns out it was and I'm so glad I came here!

On my first few days, I felt really nervous and thought I wouldn't make any friends. I also thought the teachers were going to be really strict. I shouldn't have worried because they were all really nice and I had people to help me when I got lost. I also made lots of friends. I am involved in rugby, geography club, archery, art club and many more fun activities. It's good to do different classes. I hope in Year 10 I can take part in shooting and many more fun things too. 

Thank you for listening and I hope this encourages you to come to Campbell College.

Odhran, Year 8

Hello my name is Odhran and I am in Year 8 here at Campbell College and  I am also a boarder. Before I came to Campbell I went to St Mary's primary school on Rathlin island. Rathlin is on the north coast of Ireland. I chose CCB because of the boarding facilities and the rugby that they provide at this school. In boarding we also get lots of help from the senior boarders, they are like big brothers to us. There is a diverse variety of nationalities in boarding. There are four housemothers in boarding who can help you with your homework, settling in at the start of terms and for anything else you need help with in boarding like cooking food.

My first few days were good and I had lots of help from my tutor helping me find the classrooms around this massive school. I am involved in rugby, archery, geography club, art club and golf. Campbell is a fun and exciting place because of all the things you can do here such as rugby and  hockey. We also have the added edition in boarding of Mr H Robinson’s dog Herbie. He is good fun.

You get well looked after here by Matron so if you ever get hurt she is there to help.

If you on a school to go to next year I would definitely recommend Campbell.

Thank you

Alex, Year 14

Hello I am Alexander and I am a Year 14 boarder from Glasgow. I only recently joined the college last year so I know how challenging it can be for some of you to join a different school and even move away from home.

My dad is an Old Campbellian and boarded here at Campbell in the 80s. He spoke very highly of Campbell and is still great friends with his classmates and fellow boarders and recently had his 40th reunion with over 40 members from his year group. The long lasting friendships and connection to the college my dad has inspired me to explore joining the college. I first went to Campbell to watch my brother play for the XV on foxes in the schools cup and was blown away by the supporters from the school and the level of rugby. He showed me around the school briefly and I was instantly hooked from the large and spacious buildings as well as his incredibly nice room. After my first time seeing Campbell I then came back a second time for a full tour with the boarding headmaster Mr Robinson and after seeing the school during break time and feeling the buzz around the corridors I knew straight away I was going to join and create my own memories and friendships.

The first day of my Campbell experience was a bit nerve wracking but also exciting. Within 20 minutes I was introduced to every senior boarder with a welcome barbeque and sports in the evening. It felt as if I had been at Campbell for years already and I never felt like a newcomer. All of my teachers offered out extra support digitally every week and catch up classes in free periods to go over any content that I couldn’t grasp. The boarding staff and boys were fantastic in checking on me regularly in the first few months of my stay, always making sure I was involving myself and I was constantly reassured that school was a safe place where I could talk about anything on my mind. I very quickly got the sense that Campbell is a very close community and everybody is looking out for each other.

It’s been a massive success for me both in and outside of the classroom. I have immersed myself into as many extracurricular activities as possible. I am a part of the formal committee, a homework mentor for junior boarders and also was apart of the action cancer marathon relay team. In addition, I am a sports fanatic and play basketball and table tennis in boarding with my peers and I have represented the schools XI cricket and XV rugby team. However, although I thoroughly enjoy all of these sports and activities Rugby is my true passion and the schools fantastic history and success in the schools cup was of the main driving factors in choosing Campbell. I hope to emulate my brother and win the schools cup this year.

From my work towards the school I have been given the honourable role of deputy head prefect  which has allowed me to connect even further with the senior members of the college as I have meetings with the head and senior prefects where we discuss any issues and plan ahead for different events. I’m currently studying A Level Chemistry Physics and Maths and will be going to the University of Exeter to study a Masters in Natural Sciences and continue to pursue rugby.

Living independently in boarding has prepared me well for life to come as I have massively improved my social and culinary skills. Living with people from all over the world who come from different cultures and backgrounds I have learnt so much and created connections and long lasting friendships with people

There is great mutual respect between students and staff. I talk to staff as I would talk to my family and friends. I am completely transparent with all of my teachers sports coaches and boarding staff and their doors are always open for a chat. Our tutors are very empathetic and positive mentors who will be assigned to you when you first join and stay with you for your entire senior school journey. They will learn about you as an individual and guide you during your time at school. Helping out with subject choices, university applications and any issues you have. My tutor has helped with all of these and I see them as someone I can go to and that I trust.

There are an exponential amount of opportunities here at Campbell and the special connection one has to the college as soon as they join with not only their peers but the hard working staff around them is imperishable. So whatever your passion is, you will be supported here at Campbell and pushed to succeed and do your best. I am proud to wear my green blazer and call Campbell my home.

Thank you