Life @ EA

External Relations Officer, Alice Insull, interviews EA student Harry, about life at the Academy and taking on the new role of Alumni Relations Ephor.

Tell us about your current role as the Alumni Relations Ephor and about the work the Ephor team has been doing this year?

This has been a unique year for the Ephor team in which we have had to give a lot of energy in order to keep things moving. Problems such as COVID restrictions and repetitive lockdowns have meant that our creativity and energy has become the most important thing. The work rate and achievement has been profound and many Ephors have not only managed to continue their roles but also work to improve and reform, despite the challenges faced. In these hard times, the Ephor team has become even more central to the work of the Academy.

My role is slightly different as it is new to the 2020–21 school year. I have been establishing the role and ensuring that more excellent Ephors in the future will keep the work going. In essence, my goal is to help the Development and Alumni Relations Office in any way possible, in order to build on the already excellent Alumni Relations program.
 

This year has been very different for all pupils at the Edinburgh Academy. How has online learning been going and how have you kept yourself motivated?

This has been a hard year, academic stress combined with the inability to see friends has been difficult. However, the support and advice from the Academy and my teachers has been truly excellent. They have advised not only on academics but also on motivation and wellness. Teachers have provided very high-quality online lessons where discussion is encouraged and a challenging learning environment can exist. Personally, I find that long walks around the city have helped me stay motivated and calm. Myself, and many of my fellow students, are managing well despite the challenges.
 

Have any other family members attended the Academy?

Aside from my younger sister who is now in 3rds, I have had no relatives at the Academy since my great-great grandfather attended in the 1800s. After leaving the Academy, he fought in the Boer War which is when he had his jaw completely shot off by a sniper, thereafter, becoming totally unable to chew. Apparently, he became a great soup enthusiast and grew a massive beard in order to conceal the injury!
 

What have been some of your fondest memories from your time so far at EA?

It’s the simple things that I shall remember the fondest: hymn practice, a great assembly given by a passionate teacher, the leavers review, hockey matches on Saturday mornings, and great discussions with a classmate. These things happen all the time and they make EA special.
 

What are your plans for when you leave EA this summer?

I plan to take a gap year so I can expand my thinking and gain some new experience. After that, I plan to study for an undergraduate degree in Law at a UK university and then go on to gain a JD post-graduate Law degree in the USA. Eventually, I would like to practice law in New England.
 

In three words, how would you sum up your time at the Academy?

Fast
Challenging
Rewarding