Starting sixth form is actually a really big deal. From my position now, it’s hard to think I was ever worried about it as it is a daily rhythm now. However, I get it… the fear is real.
I remember putting SO much pressure on myself to reinvent myself and be someone everyone liked and to instantly be amazing at all my subjects.
It’ snot always straightforward and easy trust me I know. But I’m here to tell you my mistakes so you don’t have to make them!
By the end of this blog post :
- You should feel more confident in yourself about starting this new chapter ( cringe.)
- Have lots of your questions answered about the reality of life at sixth form!
- Be ready to take your subjects by storm.
- Have the tools you need, and the right mindset to thrive at sixth form.
I asked you all what questions you had for me on instagram about starting sixth form! I am going to answer them now before I start this post!
Here is my experiences of starting sixth form and what I wish I knew:
Starting Sixth form: Quality is better than quantity.
You have likely heard this one a lot!
Nonetheless, it still applies to sixth form life. You don’t need an enormous group of friends, and you don’t have to make best friends either.
There is a lot of pressure from so many places that tells you that “you will make friends for life!” People will tell you that they are still in contact with their friends 40 years down the line.
This may be the case for you, but if not it’s completely fine! Don’t go into sixth form looking for your friend soul mates! This is a mistake I made, I became SO wrapped up in who were the right friends for me and trying to impress people that I lost myself a bit!
Relax and what is meant to be will be! Make an effort but don’t worry about it, you will make some friends who will be perfect for you at that time and if it’s only that… That’s completely fine!
I was very lucky to meet some amazing wonderful people ( shout out ;)). However, this didn’t come naturally!
Starting Sixth form: Slow and steady:
Leading from my first point, it might take time to find your crowd!
It took me a verrryyyyy long time to feel comfortable with a set of friends at sixth form, I came knowing almost nobody and I didn’t really settle in until about December!
It’s okay! Don’t be afraid to be on your own for a while, be brave! Amazing people will come along and you won’t remember the short time you were alone.
P.s Don’t be afraid to drift from group to group initially, despire what you may think, it doesnt reflect badly on yourself. Always make sure you are kind to everyone and if you drift from group to group a bit, most people will be understanding!
My friends at sixth form are not all in the same group anyway! That is a result of me being open to meeting new people and trying to be smiley and kind!
Work. Some Work. More Work:
Of course, I’m sure you know by now that there is a significant jump from GCSE to A-level.
While I can only talk for my specific subjects ( Biology, chemistry, Psychology, Religious studies (for a bit)). Athough this is true, it is not a “jump” in the way you are probably expecting.
The work is of a much larger volume, which is one of the main factors. You need to know each subject in much more depth. Also, some of the content you learnt at GCSE will be cancelled and you will be taught stuff that is completely new ( maybe even a bit contradictory). However, this is pretty easy to adapt to! My work is not extremely difficult at all, and I am not Einstein.
The real “jump” is being tested and taught in a different way. The good news is with practice, even though it will be harder, you will definitely feel used to it!
Starting Sixth form: Getting stuck in:
Okay, just a quick one as I touched on this in my managing a busy life post. There are SO many opportunities at sixth form, and you should definitely get involved with a few.
A side note: one amazing opportunity is taking the EPQ. Life of a medic has written a great post all about this!
After the initial buzz settles down, you should think about whether it will be sustainable to keep up all the things you started!
You absolutely don’t need to do everything, and you shouldn’t feel that you have to either! Pick and choose your opportunities wisely.
Make sure that you don’t pick up so many extracurriculars that you don’t have any time for friends or fun! ( hahaha @ year 12 me)
It’s no sweat:
This may just have been me, but i’ll say anyway!
Stop trying to live up to preconceived ideas of the person you thought you would be at sixth form! I put immense pressure on myself to recreate myself, get rid of bad habits and completely reform.
I ended up trying way too hard and felt tired all the time. Let yourself grow naturally, and adapt as opportunities for growth come your way!
You will change and adapt with the circumstances, the experience will mould you into the person you are supposed to be! Don’t try and be something that you are not ready to be at that moment.
In your feelings:
Okay, let me tell you that sixth form will probably be a rollercoaster of emotions!
Whilst I have experienced no drama compared to what secondary was like, I have still had my piece of the emotions cake.
It is so okay to be emotional and to struggle, there is always support for you and I definitely made use of this during year 12.
People you can talk to:
- School counsellor
- School nurse
- A year 13 ( or someone who has left sixth form recently). I do this often and it can help soooo much! Get out of your head and talk to someone who gets it, but isn’t wrapped up in your world.
Ces’t La Vie ( I suck at french):
My last lower sixth veteran words of advice are this… Embrace sixth form for exactly what it is!
Don’t wish it would be something else or dwell on how it’s not all you had expected ( I hope it is though).
Be the main character in your life ( ew).
-medicalzoe
Don’t compare what you get up to at sixth form and between ages of 17-18 to other people.
Your life is different, and it has its own fun and excitement and success! Don’t let small moments pass you by.
One of my biggest regrets was constantly wanting more than I had in front of me. Be different! Appreciate this time, and make the most of what you have got!
I hope this long and wordy post has been helpful to you who are starting year 12.
Starting sixth form is tough! I know how it feels and want you to know that you can message on Instagram about anything that you are struggling with, in any area!
I will be your virtual big sister, no problem!
Best of luck, I know you will all smash it to bits!
– Zoe xxx