Sixth Form

When I first moved up to Year 12 at Highgate, I immediately noticed the difference. The change in the relationship between the teachers and the pupils is something that I quickly learnt to appreciate. The Sixth Form also offers a much greater range of opportunities for us to take on responsibilities. Many of the Upper Sixth have roles as prefects or House representatives, while other members of the year group are significantly involved in sports or have taken leading roles in productions and some have directed them. Currently, ten members of Year 12 have had training as Peer Counsellors so that younger pupils, who may be having problems at school or in their private lives, can talk to them in confidence. Other opportunities include the Young Enterprise Scheme and the chance to be involved in Community Service or Charity Week.

We also have our own Sixth Form Common Room which houses our very own tuck shop, where Linda is available to serve us with breakfast, drinks, light meals and snacks - a very useful asset to help us through the school day. The Study Centre and the Library, where we can use computers for school work, are available to all Sixth Formers as well during free periods.

Sixth Formers attend General Studies presentations once a week and it aims to stretch our horizons beyond our choice of A-level subjects. I have enjoyed the recent lecture on travelling in China and talks by Sir John Stevens, Anne Widdecombe and Sir George Martin. Personally I would like to see more lectures on scientific subjects, as the emphasis is mostly on political issues and current affairs - but maybe others might disagree.

There are plenty of trips on offer in the Sixth Form. These take place both during the school term and also during the holidays. Some of my friends have been to Russia, Spain and France not only to improve their language skills, but also to expand their cultural awareness, whereas I have been to the French Alps on the Senior Ski-trip. Nearer to home there have been visits to the Royal Institution, the Royal Academy and the Tate. The A-level artists recently undertook a behind the scenes trip to Pinewood Studios to see the latest James Bond film in production. As a senior prefect, I recently went go-karting at Daytona Raceway with twenty others.

There is certainly plenty to do in the Sixth Form at Highgate with the opportunity and variety to suit everyone. I have very much enjoyed my last two years here.

Year 13 student

When you join Highgate senior school, the first thing you notice is its size. Not just the size of the campus, but of the number of facilities and varied opportunities that the Foundation has to offer. Highgate students are given a new level of freedom which marks the entry into a secondary school. There is the choice to buy things from the local village at lunch time and the option to choose from a range of different sports.

In addition to academic subjects, time is assigned to gaining new skills and exploring new areas of extra-curricular activities, such as the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Urban Survival Awards and lots more. In addition to these activities students have the option to join one of the societies that have been formed by students themselves. These include the Film Society, Photographic Society, Vinyl and Philosophy Society and many others. Many societies make use of the resources provided - the meteorological society has two weather stations that they regularly use (this society was set up a member of Year 9 - in his first year of the Senior School!).

Students are given plenty of chances to voice their views and opinions through the several councils and committees. The School Council has representatives from every year in the school and has made several significant changes to school life since it started. Year 11 and the Sixth Form boys have their own common rooms. In Year 11 the students have a quiet place to study and a warm and comfortable room in which to congregate and read daily newspapers or chat to friends. The Year 11 committee exists so that those who use the room can make choices on the décor, posters and newspapers.

Highgate is a strong community and offers lots of opportunities and new experiences.

Year 11 student

Some views of the School by Year 8 pupils

Lessons

I like most lessons; in Science we do lots of interesting experiments and in English we are studying Romeo and Juliet. We are starting a project in Design Technology in a few weeks in which we make clocks. We are also making our own website in Information and Communications Technology which is great fun.

The teaching staff are friendly and willing to help with any problem we can think of. My favourite subject is History The resources available to us are very good . We have many computers which we can access during our breaks.

I find some subjects hard and teachers really get into the tiniest detail of anything I haven't known. They always try to have a good relationship with people, which I feel is very important. As a pupil I feel they do a fantastic job. I'm sure this new art, design and technology centre will make academic work even better. I can't wait to see the finished product.

Music

The music at Highgate is very good. Nearly 83% of Junior School pupils play at least one musical instrument. There is a huge range of instruments and many groups which musicians can join. The First Orchestra, Windband, Swing Band, and people are allowed to form their own groups. I play the clarinet, the piano, the recorder and I have singing lessons. I think the music at Highgate is brilliant and there is an instrument which will appeal to everybody.

In lunch break you can take part in music groups or even make your own band and practice. I play in the Wind Band but there is also an orchestra and Swing Band. I joined in Year 7 and was surprised at the variety of musical activities there were to choose from.

Sport

The sports at Highgate are very good. We have the best swimming team in London at U12, U13, and U14. Our fives team is the best at U13, U14, U16, and U18 in England. Our first XI football team has been unbeaten for 3 years. In the Michaelmas Term we play football, but there is an option for fencing. During the Lent term we play rugby (optional) and football. In the summer we play cricket and athletics. I am a member of the swimming team, the rugby team, the cricket team and the athletics team. During the school week we have a PE lesson when we practise basketball and swimming. On two days of the week we have a games afternoon. I think this system is very good because it means everybody will play some sports in the week.

I didn't get to do much sport at my old school but now I play football, basketball and Fives, and that's just in the Michaelmas Term. I used to play basketball all the time when I lived in America and there is a school basketball team which I am in. There is also a house team for most sports which I also take part in. There is a sports centre across the road with a swimming pool, two halls and a gym. So there is no excuse, that's why we excel in football, fives, swimming, fencing and many others.

Clubs

The school has numerous after school clubs, which everybody has the option to choose to do. I go to the Debating Society on a Thursday evening, and Chapel Choir on a Friday evening. Other societies include Flight Simulator club, ICT club, DT club. There are many more.

Food

I once read that the Highgate School dining hall was the best restaurant in Highgate – maybe not all of us will agree, but it has very good quality food and they even serve breakfast. They always have a wonderful variety, for vegetarians or carnivores. There is a sandwich bar, salad bar, two types of soup (every day) and a hot and cold dessert counter.

Friends

In my time at Highgate I have made many friends so there is a really friendly atmosphere.

General comments

I love this school because of the many things it provides which many other schools do not. The sports alone would be enough, but the great music and helpful teaching make this school perfect for me.

I love the old architecture of the buildings of the past. The brick is very comforting. I really like this school.

I think that Highgate Junior School is a great school and has lots of great facilities, as well as lots of activities to choose from.