A Day in the Life of a Sixth Former
I am now a Year 12 and school life is very different. There are new people, less subjects and more homework! Life tends to become more stressful and everyone begins to join charity clubs and commitments, to boost their CV’s as they hunt for popular Saturday jobs. Time still has to be left for work, so the social life drops off gradually as essays are written and subjects revised.
However, one of the more noticeable changes is the fact that we no longer have to wear uniform. This can prove a chore to some, a delight to others, but the question in most people’s minds is ‘What on earth do I wear?’ It seems there is a lot of pressure on the new year twelves. Make sure you aren’t overdressed, but then again, don’t come to school looking like a tramp. Then there’s the question of funding all the thousands of outfits, because of course, you can’t possibly wear the same outfit twice. And with the mountain of homework that we receive, our spare time fizzles away and there’s often no time to plan the night before. This results in mad scrambles ten minutes before you’re supposed to leave the house, with shouting down the stairs when you discover that top you need is still in the wash. As you return home, tired from the long and stressful day you have had as a sixth former, your bedroom is covered in the entire contents of your wardrobe, which had been cast away as it didn’t quite match those trousers, or just didn’t feel right on. We’ve all been there. (I hope it’s not just me!) In addition, rules have become much stricter. Skirts must reach the knee, and jeggings or leggings can’t be worn without something covering your entire upper leg. For most, the only option is to wear jeans or trousers because skirts are only available on the high street in mid thigh length or mini! Sixth form outfits are becoming near impossible to choose as the year progresses; however it is nice to be able to express yourself and wear what you feel comfortable in.
In the sixth form, life is more independent. No more ‘spoon feeding’, your work is down to you, and having free periods helps you to keep on top of things, if you use them properly. What’s more, you have a different relationship with your teachers. ‘Cake day’ is extremely popular as classes are smaller and teachers slightly more lenient about eating in lesson. It is always exciting to meet new people and your lessons seem like little communities. The reduction in subjects means that you should hopefully find your lessons enjoyable and everyone gets on well. I think the transition from compulsory education to sixth form was a smooth one but I know that there is a lot more work to come, what with the proposed five hours of homework per week, per lesson! Sixth form is not for everyone but so far I have enjoyed the freedom at lunchtimes, the free periods and the subjects that I have taken on.