Phenomenally proud to now have an extension or upgrade to our primary school in the form of our Bright Horizons secondary school (Yaaaaaay!), we decided to interview some pupils and teachers and see how they are doing so far! So here are some of their impressions - first their form teacher and then the pupils...
INTERVIEW WITH MS BONE, Y10 FORM TEACHER:
1. What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about teaching in secondary school?
It is so rewarding to build relationships with the pupils and watch them blossom with our support.
2. What are the greatest benefits of a school environment such as Bright Horizons?
Pupils really have a comfortable and safe environment surrounded by people, both staff and peers, who truly care about them. Differences are celebrated. This means that no one ever feels embarrassed when they make mistakes - we all need to fall off the bike a few times before we learn to ride it, and we would never learn if we refused to get on the bike to begin with! Teachers keep expectations high so that pupils can become the best versions of themselves, while also ensuring that the atmosphere is positive and calm. Pupils are also able to get a lot of support outside of lessons, whether they want to go through some homework, delve deeper into a subject, work on a super-curricular activity, or recap something from a lesson. As well as all of this, the Cambridge IGCSE curriculum pushes pupils to apply their knowledge, use critical thinking, be creative, collaborate, and solve problems. Everyday I truly feel like I am educating young people who will change the world!
3. Is it everything you expected it to be? What surprised you the most?
This is my first year teaching at Bright Horizons. I really didn't know what to expect, but I am so happy to be here surrounded by such a welcoming and supportive team. The thing that surprised me the most is how many notes the pupils make on their own initiative! I've had to come up with some tactics to stop the Year 10s writing all of my slides word-for-word, because my classroom is for learning not copying! It's very different from state schools in England where it's a battle of wills to get teenagers to write one crucial sentence. I never in my life as a qualified teacher thought I would be brainstorming ways to encourage pupils to put their pens down when I want them to 100% focus on listening! I love incorporating metacognition and reflection opportunities, which is only more effective with such active and invested learners.
4. Comparing the demands and abilities of primary and secondary pupils and curriculum, what would you tell the pupils in the primary school?
When it comes to the secondary curriculum, just like life in general, what you put in is what you'll get out. You truly have an opportunity to take control of your own learning. Be prepared not just to learn, but also to apply your knowledge in ways that challenge and excite you!
WHAT THE PUPILS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT SECONDARY SCHOOL:
1. How have you settled in secondary school for now?
"I am still getting used to it."
"I feel comfortable and relaxed, except for the tests!"
"I feel comfortable here."
"At the beginning it was hard to switch languages because I came from a Croatian school, but I got the hang of it quickly"
2. What do you find most interesting? What do you enjoy the most?
"Maths!"
"The projects, subjects and essays."
"Good communication and collaboration with my classmates."
"New experiences!''
"Field trips!"
"Meeting new friends and teachers."
3. How does secondary school compare to primary?
"It's more interesting but more challenging!"
"It is easier than my last school"
"The workload is manageable and everyone is relaxed, which helps with the hard things."
"It's the same"
"Teachers are really supportive and we get to practice a lot before we have tests."
4. What are the biggest differences in learning when compared to primary school?
"It is harder! Much harder!"
"I need to do more and study at night as well, now."
"The grading system was very new to me."
5. Can you share a fun anecdote from your new school year?
"We went to the VR cinema to watch a film about hunter-gatherers, and it felt like we were really there shooting arrows and having talks around the campfire with Africans!"
"There was a fake whiteboard marker fight at lunch time that was very funny."
"We love the way [one of the students] says 'wow' every lesson."
6. Looking back at your Year 8-self, what would you tell yourself, now that you know what secondary school is?
"Study well!"
"Study harder!"
"Socialise!"
"Relax!"
7. Do you have a message for all of us at the primary school?
"Do your best and work hard so you don't feel like a fish out of water!"
"Say hi to my brother in year 6!"
"Come here, we want a bigger high school!"
"Enjoy life and don't stress over the little things!"
In case any of you decide to accept their invitation (or dare we say - challenge?) to join the Bright Horizons secondary school, admissions have now opened for enrolments. Get more information here.
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