Student Profiles
Interview with Current Student
Lauren Derrick
What Do You Like About the THA sixth Form?
I like the way everything is structured, a lot of leadership roles are given to the Sixth Form students and for me this works really well, as I like to take responsibility and be a role model to others. Also the support and help all the staff have given me is astonishing. The help has ranged from simple things such as sorting out my oyster card applications, to big things like helping me get to university! I know my future is in safe hands because I am a student of THA Sixth Form.
What Are You Studying?
I am currently studying in my second year of A Levels at The Academy. I study Philosophy and Ethics, Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Business Studies. Within my first year I also studied English Literature. After gaining an AS Level in the subject, I decided it would be best to not carry it forward into A2 because I doubted my ability to cope with the work load, however those UCAS points will go towards my application for university.
How Does The Academy’s Sixth Form Help You Achieve?
Where do I begin? Not only have The Academy helped me to achieve great results in my AS exams which took place just weeks after the tragic loss of my Dad, but they have also helped me achieve in so many other ways outside of the classroom. For example by allowing me to be a part of so many big events, like Future First days at PWC (Pricewaterhouse Coopers), by giving me the opportunity to be a Games Maker at the London 2012 Paralympic games and helping me achieve many awards, such as the Jack Petchey award. The Sixth Form also recognise your excellence as a person, and reward you accordingly. For instance I was given the role as Deputy Head Girl, which I am so grateful to have and which will look fantastic on my university application. The Sixth Form at THA really does offer brilliant opportunities for all its students, which help to round you into an adult.
What Would You Say to a Prospective Year 11 Student?
To any prospective year 11 students I would really advise them to think carefully about what they wish to do. If you are happy to put in a lot of hard work for the next two years, and you are looking to really succeed academically, then THA Sixth Form would be the best place for you. It’s great to get fabulous grades, but higher education institutes, such as universities, look further into the person you are and the additional achievements you have made. Therefore I would highly recommend THA Sixth Form, as they really do offer these extra opportunities, you just have to search for them and put your all in!
Interview with Former Student
George Fellows
What Did You Like About the THA 6th Form?
Well what was there not to like? I had been a student at The Academy since Year 7, and there was no question in my mind, I wanted to carry on my studies at Harefield! What I liked most about the Sixth Form was the freedom and responsibility The Academy gave me; we were encouraged to become independent learners. We were also given the skills of making great relationships with our peers and also our teachers. There is no one in The Academy that I do not feel comfortable with, to discuss personal or work related issues.
What Are You Doing Now?
Well, now I am a member of staff at The Academy. As I was unsure what I wanted to study at university taking a gap year was the best option. I applied for the role of the VPA (visual performing arts) Technician and was lucky enough to get the job. Since I started the job here I have decided that I want to pursue a career in teaching, so I am currently in the process of applying to Reading University to do a Theatre Education and Deaf Studies course. If I am lucky enough to get a place on this, it will help me achieve my career dreams of becoming a Drama Teacher. I’m really enjoying my job as it allows me to act as a Teaching Assistant in the classroom where I can work on a one to one level with many different students.
How Did We Help You Achieve?
How did you not? For me on an academic level, but also on a personal one, The Academy has given me so much confidence. My teachers always believed that I would achieve to my best ability and drove me to do so. The support I received out of the classroom was invaluable. The Sixth Form Student Manager Claire Fitzgerald is one of the most amazing women I have met. Her door is never closed for your questions regarding literally any subject under the sun. Also, the help outside of the classroom was incredible. So much effort is put into offering extra-curricular activities such as the Heroes programme, Student Support Programme, and the Student Executive Programme. I took part in all of these schemes and I have been left with more confidence, the ability to work independently & within a team; and the ability to organise efficiently. As an extra-curricular activity I also played Edna in the school production of ‘Hairspray’. Playing a woman was something that was completely out of my comfort zone, but an experience I will remember for the rest of my life, and something I am grateful I got the opportunity to do.
What Would You Say to a Prospective Year 11 Student?
I’ve met a small percentage of people your age that know what they want to do in life. I would suggest sitting back and having a deep think would be the best idea to begin with. If you don’t know, like I did, the best option is to carry on with your education and gain yourself some A Levels or a course of a similar level. There are no negatives to having extra qualifications on your CV. Not only that but the skills you gain are invaluable. You are trusted as an adult to work independently, yet the help is always there if you need it. You build amazing relationships with the teachers, who are more than willing to get to know your work methods and styles. I have so many memories of my time in Sixth Form; I wish you all luck in making your decisions and I hope that you also enjoy your Sixth Form experience!