Page 29 - Seaford College Sixth Form Experience

Emily Holden
What is the boarding experience like?
I have really enjoyed it. You can get your prep done in the evenings. There’s always a teacher around to help if you need them. It’s a good opportunity too to get to know others lower down the school. We do things like movie night, pizza night. We went to a trampoline park too. Year 13 have our own space though which works well. We need space that is a little more mature. Boys and girls can use the common room together.
Boarding is good for learning to live with so many other people. It develops good skills for the working world.
Houseparents help us to get to know each other at the start. Now we orchestrate it ourselves
though. Houseparents are great – they have compassion for you and encourage you to do work. I go home at the weekends and really appreciate that time with my mum. Being away though works, as it gives me time to get my work done. I’ve grown in confidence in my own abilities – my mum would say the same!
Friends I’ve made here are really great. I’ll definitely stay in touch with them.
What are you passionate about?
Gender roles. I’m not a feminist. I tend to lean towards things that are deemed more masculine. I’m gravitating towards film and DJing – they’re male dominated. I think that’s part of the reason why I do it. Things that men would more typically do. I believe though that both genders should be able to do what they want to do.
What do you do outside of school?
I work part-time for a few photographers. I am also starting to DJ, as I’m having lessons with Mr Bignell at school. I’ve not done it before but have always been into music and lots of people like my taste in music and ask me to do playlists for them. I might be the DJ at the boarders Christmas dinner!
I’m in the Equestrian team and have done dressage for Seaford. I’ve ridden since I was about 7 and had horses since I was 12. I’ve done a few competitions for Seaford and I ride most weekends. I compete when I can.
“What I love most about Seaford is the people and the ethos. You're made to feel youcandowellbutnotpressurised. Igot the grades because I boarded, you’re not forced to study but you crack on as everyone else is doing it. My teachers made the subjects come alive, had belief in me and really boosted my confidence.”
Zac Hodson
2 A*s A, Reading History at Bristol
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