Good morning everyone and welcome to Foyle College.

My name is Zoe  and I’m a Year 8 pupil here at Foyle College. It’s a privilege to be speaking to you today.

Not very long ago, I went to Ebrington P.S and was in exactly the same position as many of you are now. I sat the SEAG, went through months of preparation, revision, and practice papers, and then experienced the long wait for results. It was a nerve-racking but exciting time. I remember wondering what secondary school would be like, whether I would make friends, and whether I would be able to cope with the change, new subjects, lots of different teachers,  I genuinely understand how everyone is feeling right now and I want to reassure you that those feelings did not last long. Very quickly, I began to feel part of the Foyle family, the school felt familiar, welcoming, and safe.

One of the biggest reasons I settled in so well was the support system in place for new pupils. The Foyle Guardians played a huge role in helping us during the first few weeks answering questions and checking that we were doing okay. It was very reassuring to know there was always someone to turn to. The teachers were also incredibly supportive. They understood that we were adjusting to a new environment and were always patient, encouraging, and willing to help if we were unsure or needed extra support.

Another thing that helped me feel settled was the positive atmosphere throughout the school. Foyle College is a place where pupils are encouraged to be themselves, to try new things, and to support one another. It didn’t take long to make new friends, and I quickly felt comfortable and confident in my surroundings. This strong sense of the Foyle Family is something I really value about Foyle.

Now that I’ve been here for a while, what I enjoy most about Foyle College is the range of opportunities available to us. I’ve really enjoyed getting involved in sport, particularly hockey, and playing matches which have helped me develop teamwork, resilience, and confidence. Being part of a team has also helped me make friendships across different classes and year groups. The facilities here are brilliant, and there’s a big focus on teamwork, determination and not giving up. You’ll get a chance on your tour, to see our Senior Hockey and Rugby Teams in action and experience the buzz of our school every Saturday morning.

Academically, Foyle College challenges pupils to do their best while also providing support when it’s needed. Teachers encourage us to aim high, but they also make learning engaging and enjoyable. I feel motivated to work hard, knowing that help is always available if I need it.

We’re fortunate to have lots of great schools in our city, but Foyle is a place where you’re welcomed from the moment you walk in, where people look out for you, and you’re encouraged to be the best version of yourself. If you choose Foyle, you won’t just be joining a school – you’ll be joining the Foyle family.

As I look back on my first year at Foyle, I can honestly say that choosing this school was the right decision for me. I’ve grown in confidence, made new friends, and discovered new interests. What once felt like a big and scary step has turned into an exciting journey that I’m really enjoying.

As I come to a close, I’d like to finish with a quote that I think is especially important for pupils and parents at this stage:

“Don’t worry too much about the future – focus on doing your best today and everything else will fall into place.”

Thank you for listening. I wish you all the very best as you consider the next step in your journeys and I hope to welcome many of you back to Foyle College in the future.