Sophie Alexander – The Alumni of Belmont House School

28th Jan 2025

As we approach our centenary year at Belmont House School, we wanted to look back, and reconnect with former pupils, near and far.

Here we have a series of thoughtful questions that we ask our alumni focusing on their lives, successes, and the school’s influence.

Name: Sophie Alexander
Time period as a pupil at Belmont House: 2006-2020
Current Occupation: I am currently an Honours student majoring in Economics and Finance. Alongside my studies, I work in the Commercial Team for a financial mutual insurer. Later this year, I will be commencing my role as an Investment Banker.

How did your time at Belmont House School shape your career path?
Belmont fostered an environment that encouraged me to explore and find my passions. I developed meaningful relationships with my teachers, who provided unwavering support and guidance. This atmosphere allowed me to discover my strengths and interests, and I consistently felt motivated to perform at my best. The school not only helped me excel academically but also instilled in me a sense of curiosity and a drive for excellence, experiences which have been foundational in this next chapter of my career.


Can you share a key moment or memory from your time at Belmont that had a lasting impact on you?
Having attended Belmont for over a decade, it is difficult to single out just one memory. When I think back on my time there, I remember feeling happy, surrounded by a great group of friends and supportive teachers. Three moments in particular stand out:

  1. I vividly remember entering my Primary 1 class and meeting some of my best friends and my first ever teacher, Mrs. Calway. The extremely welcoming environment set me up for the rest of my years at school.
  2. Discovering my love for music with Mrs. Smart, who provided many opportunities for me to sing individually, with the choir, and with the Belmont on Tour (BOT) group. I adored performing, and it was my time to enjoy a creative aspect of school, as I was typically drawn to academic subjects.
  3. During Senior 5, my passion for business studies and finance was acknowledged by Mr. Lee, who occasionally invited me to support him in teaching younger classes. This was around the time I began to realise that I wanted to pursue a career in finance.


What skills or lessons learned at Belmont have been most valuable in your professional life?
I would say the best skills I developed at Belmont are confidence and self-assurance. The small class sizes and close-knit community at Belmont allowed for personalised attention and strong relationships with my teachers. This nurturing environment significantly improved my ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively – skills that are crucial in the industry I work in.


In what ways did Belmont House School’s community or culture contribute to your personal growth?
This goes back to the confidence and self-assurance that I developed at Belmont. The community and culture played a pivotal role in my personal growth and encouraged me to develop strong interpersonal skills. I became a strong communicator which has been crucial in my professional life, where clear and confident interaction is key. Belmont also instilled in me a strong sense of motivation and a drive for excellence. I always felt encouraged to perform at my best, and this mindset has been integral to my achievements in both academics and my career.


Can you describe how Belmont’s teachers or extracurricular activities helped shape your future ambitions?
Belmont’s teachers and extracurricular activities played a significant role in shaping my future ambitions. Mr. Lee always encouraged me to excel in my business studies, especially as it became evident that Finance was the path I wanted to follow. His engaging lessons and real-world examples ignited my interest and he always went the extra mile to support me where he could.
Mrs. Smart, my music teacher, helped me discover my love for music. Her encouragement and friendship made my musical journey incredibly enriching, balancing my academic pursuits with creative expression.
My maths teachers, Mr. Stevenson and Mrs. McCarry, were always there to support me academically and personally/ Their lessons were always invaluable and engaging, and I still often reflect on the mathematical foundations they taught me. Their encouragement and friendship instilled in me the confidence to excel in maths, a crucial skill for my future career in finance.
Furthermore, being part of the school choir and participating in all the school shows allowed me to develop discipline, teamwork, and stage presence. These experiences not only nurtured my love for music but also helped me build a well-rounded skill set.

 

What advice would you give to current Belmont students who want to follow a similar path to yours?
My advice is to always seize opportunities as they come and not be afraid to try something new, even if it initially seems outside your comfort zone. You’ll never regret trying something, even if you eventually choose not to continue with it. Embrace the all opportunities available; with hard work and determination, you will find your place in the future. Remember, it’s okay not to have everything figured out by the time you leave school. Life is a journey, and exploration is a key part of finding your path.

 

Looking back, how do you feel Belmont House School prepared you for the challenges and opportunities you’ve faced in life?
Since being at school, I have always had a relentless drive for excellence. The high standards set by my teachers and their encouragement to push beyond my limits taught me the importance of always aiming for the best. This mindset has been crucial in my professional life, where striving for excellence is essential for success. Belmont consistently found ways to challenge and engage me, helping me develop resilience and perseverance. I learned to embrace challenges and persist through difficult times.
Most importantly, Belmont helped me discover who I am, which has been invaluable as I navigated my years at university and my professional life. This self-assurance has guided me through interviews, internships, and challenges in my role at the financial mutual insurer, Scottish Friendly. I am grateful for my years at Belmont.

Our thanks to Sophie for sharing her experiences – would you like to feature as part of our Alumni of Belmont House School? Please feel free to get in touch with Richard Doak via email: RDoak@belmontschool.co.uk

 

Sophie Alexander – The Alumni of Belmont House School