This year I have had a gap year working at the Dragon School in Oxford, England as a School Boarding Assistant.
On January 2nd, I flew to London with Angas Travel, along with 30 other Sydney-based GAP students. We spent the 21-hour flight getting to know one another, which was a great way to start the journey. After four days together in London, we headed off to our respective schools. This initial group experience was extremely beneficial, providing an opportunity to connect with fellow GAP students and share details about our placements. The shared travel and initial stay in London made the transition smoother and helped foster a sense of community that lasted throughout the year.
The Dragon school is located in Oxford, approximately an hour and a half from London. It is one of the largest GAP schools in the UK, with over 30 “gappies” who are spread across boarding and teaching roles. As a School Boarding Assistant, our responsibilities primarily involve providing pastoral care and supporting the domestic operations within the boarding house. We assist students with their daily routines, collaborate with boarding staff to ensure smooth operations, and play an active role in supporting the emotional well-being of the children in our care.
All boarding assistants live on site in apartments that are attached to the boarding houses.
One of the most exciting aspects of living in the UK is the ease with which you can travel around Europe. Over the past year, I’ve taken 30 flights and visited 18 countries, an experience that still feels surreal. It’s been incredible to share these new adventures with friends who have slowly become my second family. During long weekends (which occur every three weeks), we would take short trips to places like Paris, or visit other GAP students at their schools, staying in their boarding houses and exploring their towns. It’s also been a fantastic opportunity to discover different parts of England, from Bromsgrove to Cambridge and even Sussex.
Each boarding house is also supported by house parents who play a vital role in offering guidance and a sense of belonging. They truly become like second parents. It’s also comforting to have so many people in the same situation to lean on, any sense of homesickness was quickly overrun by the excitement of our upcoming travel plans or weekend gatherings.
Also, I have definitely had to learn how to navigate my way around the world by myself. At first this was a very daunting prospect but I am now an expert on public transport.
Taking a GAP year has undoubtedly been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Living in Oxford and working at The Dragon School has been both a fun and rewarding experience, and it’s bittersweet to realize I’ve created a home away from home. From making lifelong friends at Oxford University to bonding with the younger students who’ve become like little siblings, every moment has been special.
After the grind of the HSC, I definitely didn’t feel ready to go straight to university and this year has been the most amazing adventure. So, it was absolutely everything i hoped it would be. I am however excited now to come home to Sydney and start university next year. I plan to pursue a degree is Sports & Exercise Therapy at UTS with the goal of eventually becoming a physiotherapist.