The new academic year is so close by so I couldn't think of a more appropriate time to make this post. I'm putting this up because I personally know how nerve-wracking it can be to start sixth form and/or to move schools having done both (at the same time) last year. Also, I know I would have loved to have read a post on sixth form/college which doesn’t include the typical university tips and advice.
There are probably a million and one aspects of this new experience you are about to go through that you are worrying about but I assure you once you start and get settled in it wouldn’t be such a big deal. So I’m just going to give you some tips as a previous year 12 student on this aspect of your life Tip #1 You won’t be friendless Don’t worry too much about making friends because (here comes the cliché part) everyone is most likely in the same position as you. You do not have to change who you are to make friends, just be your lovely self and be confident and you’ll find yourself drawn to people who are similar to you that you can be friends with. The people you hang around with in the first week may not be the people you would chill with for your time at your college, so don’t be upset or think there’s something wrong with you if you all part ways. Tip #2 Do what you love not the one that would get you an easy A Most people are undecided on what they want to do when they get older or even get to university and that’s okay. As long as you choose subjects you are interested in and love you will be fine with the workload. If you’re doing subjects you love, you won’t find the lessons boring (well most of the lessons, there are some topics that you might dislike). If it turns out to be challenging, you wouldn’t really mind because you have a genuine interest in it(or is it just me?) I chose a subject because I believed it would get me an easy A. I had a bit of interest in the subject but it was obvious that it wasn’t something I enjoyed compared to my other options and right now I cannot wait to drop it even if I did get an A. I just don’t think I can endure sitting in one of those lessons ever again. Tip #3 Put a little more effort in I personally don’t think A-Levels are as difficult and challenging as people make it out to be. It really just requires a little bit more effort and a lot of dedication. Try to procrastinate less, trust me I’m fully aware of how hard this is. If you give it your all it’ll be okay and it’ll definitely be worth it in the end! :) Tip #4 You don’t have to break the bank I do know how tempting it is to buy everything you see for sixth form due to the freedom of never having to wear a uniform ever again but as my mum usually says, “cut your coat according to your size”. You don’t have to get all new clothing items all at once if you can’t afford it at the moment and if I’m being truthful it’s really not needed. After a few months no one would really care about what you wear and how you look, just be comfortable. Planning outfits to wear can become rather tiring and exhausting so what can help is having a selection of items (you can change these every season or every 2 terms) you wear to school and just play around with those. A tip for Grammar School students or colleges that require co-operate dressing is to have a uniform (just when you thought you were free from that). Get at least 5 tops so don’t repeat clothing during the week and just wear those as you would a uniform. Get about 3 extra pieces you can wear to switch it up once in a while because you might get tired of your uniform. For those times you feel like you need new clothing when in reality you just want it just remind yourself that you are in college to study not to dress up. you can always make co-operate wear look less boring by adding statement necklaces, wearing different cardis and different types/colour of shoes Tip #5 Folders are your best friends Organisation at this stage in life is essential. I would suggest one folder for each subject and a plastic wallet for miscellaneous items. The 12-part dividers for each folder also come in handy. You can choose to get a small folder for different units in a subject but an excellent tip is to get sticky tabs to demarcate spaces for different units whilst using the same folder. It just means about 3 less folders to carry around but one large one; totally up to you. Tip #6 Grammar Schools are not all that From my experience, I can say that Grammar Schools are not portrayed for what they are and the general public do not have a true view of what Grammar Schools are about. Don’t just choose a sixth because it’s a Grammar School do your research about it and be sure it’s the place for you. You’ll easily be disappointed when you get there and find out there isn’t much difference between it and a normal college/sixth form. There might be better teachers and there might not be, there’ll definitely be a teacher you do not like that’s almost inevitable. Just be sure to weigh all your choices and choose the one that’s the most suitable for you. Tip #7 Have fun! Please savour every moment of college/sixth fun and have fun while working hard as well. You don’t want to look back wishing you had done something or regretting you hadn’t done something. Join extra-curricular clubs at school and outside school to keep yourself active and happy. Find something you truly love doing outside school and go out with your friends who you don’t see as often. Make amazing memories with your new friends and enjoy life before the next chapter begins. If you made it this far, well done! I'm quite aware I rambled on a lot but I just like giving advice and I wanted to ensure you all are getting the real deal in great detail. I know I didn’t touch every aspect and questions you might have, so feel free to leave a comment below with your questions. Also, if you read everything go get yourself a cookie, give yourself a pat on the back because you are the real MVP.
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About meHello, I'm Ayo and welcome to my soon to be exciting world! Join me as I go through life's ups and downs which leads to me learning more about life and myself. Archives
December 2020
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