I joined Highgate Sixth Form (Y12) in September 2023. Of course, joining a new school at this point, I was very nervous. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how warm and welcoming both the pupils and staff were.
The Admissions Team arranged a number of social events in June/July, which allowed new joiners to meet current members of the year group as well as each other, meaning that I started in September with increased ease and confidence. Everybody was so eager to introduce themselves and get to know me, which allowed me to seamlessly slot into daily life at Highgate. I found it exceedingly easy to make friends; my year group were forthcoming and welcomed me immediately into their network.
The school offers a huge plethora of clubs and societies which allow you to mix with like-minded peers during lunchtimes. I participate in a wide variety of these, including Chorale choir, Economics and Politics Society and Finance club. As a result, I was able to form further bonds outside of my lessons and easily cultivate a broad social circle.
I am studying four A-Levels: Maths, Economics, Drama and Further Maths. So far, my studies have been both engaging and highly enjoyable. The teachers go beyond the syllabus, stretching students beyond the confines of the curriculum and deepening our knowledge within all areas of our chosen subjects. This not only allows us to better engage with our chosen fields but better prepares us for university applications.
When studying in the Sixth Form, students are given more independence to study in the manner which they find the most productive. For example, we have several free periods every week which can be used at our discretion. This freedom gives students more control over how they work. That being said, all teachers are more than happy to provide additional support, outside of lesson time, to students who feel this would be beneficial.
I am in Eastgate, one of the twelve houses at Highgate. Students enter the house system from Y9 and it provides a close-knit support group, which you can turn to for any assistance you may require. You meet with your house every morning for registration and at various break times. The people in your house will all live near you and so the house system is another great tool that allows you to make new friends outside of your lessons. Each year, there are numerous inter-house competitions which you can participate in and earn points for your house. It’s a brilliant team building process.
My favourite thing about Highgate is how warm and open all the pupils and staff are. On my first day, I was exceedingly nervous. However, my fears were immediately mitigated by the joyous reception I received. Everyone is keen to celebrate all individual students, and this creates a positive, relaxed atmosphere which is highly conducive for learning.
For anyone who is about to join Highgate Sixth Form, my advice would be: throw yourself into it! When I first joined, I immediately got involved with the School Musical Production, which this year was Anything Goes by Cole Porter. This choice allowed me to form strong friendships from the outset of my school journey. I would urge any new joiners to find a club or activity for which they have a passion or interest – it’s a sure way to meet like-minded people.