TO THE PUPIL PERSPECTIVE

KONSTANTIN UPPER SIXTH, PARK HOUSE

Konstantin joined us at aged 13 as a boarder in Park House, having previously attended an international school in his native Moscow. As a member of the Upper Sixth, and with his time at the School nearly complete, Konstantin looks back upon his five years and picks out some of the highlights.

Do you recall when you decided Tonbridge was the right school for you?

I remember going to Pizza Express in the High Street before my first set of common entrance exams. As I was walking back across campus, I saw the sunshine sparkling on the cricket pitch (known as The Head), which is right in the middle of the School. I was keen to pursue both sport and academia, and so an amazing pitch in such a prominent place was a good sign and made Tonbridge seem like the perfect choice!

What subjects have you studied at A-level?

Spanish, English Literature, Religious Studies and (of course) Russian!

This is your last year. How would you sum it all up?

Being far away from home I initially feared being homesick, but Tonbridge never really left me with that option. I was constantly involved in all sorts of activities, from Spanish drama to chess. This meant that I did not look back too much because there was just so much to try.

However, I could never have imagined that I would fall in love with the School in the way that I have. To sum up the five years, I would say that I have found a second home here. What I mean by ‘second home’ is that I am able to pursue whatever interests me and I have lots of support, just like I would back at home in Moscow.

What have been your stand-out moments at Tonbridge?

The best moment has definitely been winning the English Schools Spanish Debating Competition. This was truly a reflection on the amazing Modern Languages Department at the School, and an experience I will never forget.

Something else I will cherish forever is being part of the Football 1st XI in my Upper Sixth year: we won the league and then the ISFA Trophy. Throughout the season, what stood out to me was the professionalism of the whole set-up surrounding the first team. Being in love with football from a very young age, the Lent Term of my Upper Sixth was as close to being a professional footballer as one could get without pursuing the career full-time. At least, it felt like that.

What would you say is Tonbridge’s best kept secret?

When joining, I wasn’t aware that Tonbridge boarders were allowed to go home at weekends to see family and friends. If I had known that, it would have made my decision even easier than it was.

What will you miss most?

Being able to spend evenings in the company of my closest friends in my boarding house, and also the time we have with our tutors in the coffee room.

What have you chosen to study after Tonbridge, and why?

Spanish and Philosophy at UCL (University College London), meaning that I am not moving so far away from Tonbridge! My time at the School has highlighted these two subjects as my favourite areas. University is now such an exciting prospect.

What has Tonbridge taught you?

To always have an open mind in everything I do. At the outset I would never have thought I would be applying for a Spanish and Philosophy degree course, for example, or playing Ultimate Frisbee as a sport in my last term. Trying new things is part of the Tonbridge experience. Furthermore, it has taught me the importance of building good relationships with fellow students, teachers and other members of staff –something that will be crucial at university and in the working world.

What advice would you give to a boy just starting out at Tonbridge?

My advice is simple – don’t be intimidated. At first I found it daunting having lessons in English Literature with boys for whom English was their first language, but five years on I am doing an English Literature A-Level and I even considered pursuing it at university. Tonbridge has given me lots of self-belief.