Page 8 - Seaford Sixth Form Experience 2019

Mariella Houweling
What was the transition like from GCSE to A Level?
It was amazing! Going into Year 12 was the best year, I liked not having to study so many subjects. Everyone in the class is focussed. There is more freedom to manage our own time and we are treated more like adults. Now that I’ve done GCSEs, I know how to tackle exams and manage my exam stress.
What do you think Seaford has done for you as a person?
I’ve discovered what I want to do in life. I plan to be a doctor and help people.
I love Seaford because...
although it is just a school, you feel part of a community. I know that is a selling point of the school, but it’s true. I’m in Year 13 and I still know lots of the Year 9 students from Peer Mentoring, boarding and through younger siblings of people I used to board with. My teachers are so supportive, I can rely on them. Seaford is very inclusive.
The tag line, ‘Love to learn’ is perfect, if you interviewed everyone you’d get a similar response as it’s true.
Tabitha Hill
What has Seaford done for you since you joined in Year 9?
My confidence has gone through the roof since Year 9. I’m not loud but more self-assured. Seaford has given me the confidence to apply for Oxbridge. The community spirit at Seaford has helped. In lessons, it doesn’t matter if you get the answer wrong. Teachers, staff and friends are so supportive - you can only grow through learning from the mistakes you make.
What was the transition like from GCSE to A Level?
I now have more independence and we’re trusted to manage our time. We can organise how we work, when we eat lunch, when we do sports etc. I’m in the 2nd team hockey, the orchestra, the wind band and I have clarinet lessons, so there’s lots to fit in. I need time to practise my music, do my fitness sessions for hockey, and my school work. It’s hard to balance but think I’m managing my time well!
Being so busy I have to be organised in order to fit it in. If I didn’t do so much I’d think I could do my work later. All the students who performed in Les Misérables
got amazing exam results. You have to be very structured with your private study time.
I love the Sixth Form so much more than Years 9, 10 and 11 (which I loved anyway) because I’m doing the subjects I enjoy. I enjoy doing the prep as I love the subjects. I love the Sixth Form because of increase in freedom, and the respect you’re given by the younger students and staff. My teachers are very good at stretching me with work, they encourage me to learn more.
What advice would you give to someone joining Seaford?
Be yourself as no matter who you are, you are accepted into the community.
I love Seaford because...
of the community. The teachers, the students. Even students in different years are so friendly. Everyone’s so accepting. As you walk around the school, you can be yourself. It’s a relaxing atmosphere whilst pushing you to strive for your personal best at the same time.
“I got a 9 in Biology because of the revision sessions. Mr d’Agar was great in these sessions. He went over things we weren’t sure about. The teachers are great, when you think you’re not that good there are always people telling you that you are – they give you confidence. I said to Mr Green before our exams that, 'You couldn’t have done any more to prepare us for our exams, you’ve given us everything, it’s now down to us!’”
Freddie Valmas
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