Grammar Graduate: Scarlett Buchanan (2017)

Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Bishopshalt School?

I was lucky enough to begin working at Bishopshalt as soon as I touched down in the UK and began working in the Geography department, then made my way to Head of Years 9 and 10within the department. However, I now wanted to follow my true passion and teach History. So, I have accepted a role at The Douay Martyrs Catholic Secondary School and I am looking forward to another exciting opportunity.

What inspired you to take on the challenge of swimming the English Channel?

I’ve always loved Swimming and Water Polo and I have a deep sense of adventure and curiosity. So, when I was asked to take part in this relay for such a great cause, I couldn’t turn the opportunity down. The English Channel has a deep history of endurance and adventure and I really wanted to test my limits. I am so glad I accepted the opportunity and tackled it head on, I am even more proud that as a team we were able to raise just over 30 000 pounds for Aspire.

Can you describe what it felt like during those 12+ hours in the water? Were there moments you felt like giving up?

Despite the months of training, nothing could prepare me for the sheer enormity of the challenge. When I was in the water for the first time, I really struggled—it was really difficult for me to get in the mindset and push myself to keep going. I looked down and the ocean was so profoundly dark it felt infinite, it was both humbling and overwhelming. There was a moment when I couldn’t see land anywhere, the endless ocean, no shoreline, no markers, just horizon. What I hadn’t anticipated was the jellyfish, they appeared silently and without warning—and even spending my life on the beaches of Australia—I was still terrified. There were multiple moments I contemplated giving up. However, the Channel is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Belief in myself paired with the motivation of participating in a team pulled me through each challenging moment.

How did being part of a relay team impact your experience compared to swimming solo?

This is my first time swimming The English Channel. Swimming solo was not an option and I loved doing the relay. Having played Water Polo at Girls Grammar, I love team sport and spirit, and couldn’t have asked for a better team. Thinking of the team and putting the team first allowed me to calm my mind, rethink and refocus.

You mentioned courage, resilience, and purpose from your time at BGGS—can you share a specific memory or lesson from school that helped you during the swim?

Courage and resilience were the two key qualities—qualities I learned at school—that allowed me to fight through the challenges. Paired with a growth mindset, these qualities allowed me to push past the negative voice in my head.. Throughout my time at Girls Grammar, I learned the importance of hard work, determination and persistence, and was always encouraged by my peers and mentors. This helped develop a belief in myself, that if I put my mind to something, with courage, resilience and hard work I will achieve my goals.

What was the biggest physical or mental challenge you faced during the swim, and how did you overcome it?

When I got out of the water following my first swim, I thought that I was finished. I thought that I was done, and I couldn’t get back in that water. I was so shocked and rattled by how extreme the environment was, that getting back in was terrifying for me. But I knew I couldn’t let my team members down. If I had stopped, the team wouldn’t finish either. So, during my break I refuelled and refocused, getting myself into a growth mindset and continually reminding myself of the team.

When the time came to get back in the water, my mind was much calmer; I was much more focused on putting one arm in front of the other. What made it easy for those second two swims was the mindset. I was so impressed with the resolve that I was able to show.

I was able to take in my surroundings for the remainder of the challenge and appreciate what I was doing. In my second swim a grey seal came up and swam next to me, and in my final swim I was able to enjoy the sunset and the French cliffs.

What advice would you give to current students at BGGS who might want to pursue big goals or challenges like this?

Sometimes it’s all a mental game. You need to have the correct mindset and belief in yourself and team. I knew that I was fit enough. I knew that I could put one hand in front of the other and keep swimming. The test was mental.

This experience reinforced a few lessons that extend far beyond sport:

• Big goals are best achieved as a team.

• Mental endurance is just as critical as physical strength.

• Gratitude fuels perseverance.

• Crossing from England to France was more than just a swim, it was a reminder of what’s possible when we commit fully and have the right people beside us.

And lastly, what’s next for you after this incredible achievement? Any new goals or adventures on the horizon?

I’m very interested in completing a solo Channel swim in the future. Right now however, my main focus is on progressing in my career and continuing my education. I’m considering pursuing a Master’s degree in History while I’m based in the UK and have access to so many amazing university programmes.