Hmmm. Headfort in the nineties, very much more of the same, I should imagine. Actually it was fun, which is impressive when one keeps in mind that it's a school and any age is young enough to feel homesick. I'd be lying if I said I could remember my first night there clearly. I can remember some, like the friendly older girls who showed me around after my parents had left. It was really sunny. it always seemed to be sunny at Headfort. That's my memory playing up again. It was 1989 when I went and I was nearly eight. I know the first year isn't supposed to be fun but for me it was. It wasn't my first time away from home or anything like that. It's not like my first term didn't have any surprises. The first couple of nights I learnt the truth about Santa Claus, tooth fairies and, most surprising of all, where babies come from. My dormitory captain was Griselda Williams.
The early years were basically fun;I'd no exams to worry about and my biggest problem was that someone has given me lace-up shoes that I had difficulty tying. Later years were fun also. The teachers started to respect us, as we reached the ripe old age of 13. The whole learning aspect was geared up to the notorious CE, which decided whether we'd be allowed entrance to our next school. The exam seemed like a huge monster, while it's really a simple enough hurdle.
I remember riding lessons, which were brilliant, especially since my parents weren't keen on horses. Everyone rode round the beautiful estate once a week.
Granted, boarding school is not for every child but I believe it suits most. I think it's one of the best ways of educating children, making friends and learning to live with other children. Headfort in the 90s ? As usual