Interviews with Former Students
Ranyechi Udemezue
Naturally, deciding to attend a new school for Sixth Form was a difficult and daunting decision.
I was anxious about whether I would fit in and make friends, and whether I would be able to keep up with the rigorous style of education. I even worried about whether the teachers would treat me differently, or overlook me because I was a new student. Since starting at St. Michael's however, all of my anxieties have dissipated and I wouldn't want to study anywhere else.
The Sixth Form generates an aura of positivity due to the fact that the 'old girls' are extremely welcoming and excited to meet new people. The staff are also very helpful and supportive; you are never made to feel as though you don't belong, and you become part of the school community the moment that you arrive.
The Catholic ethos of the school enables students to reflect upon the ways in which they treat others, and encourages pupils to think about their vocation and purpose, whatever that may be. Students who do not come from a faith background or are of other faiths appreciate this aspect of St. Michael's, as it aids personal growth and provides a way for the whole school to come together as a community.
If you are looking for a fresh start, at a school that will provide you with an outstanding education and direct you to success, then St. Michael's is definitely the right school for you.
Alice Maini
Life in Sixth Form - staying on from Year 11
When I entered the Sixth form I wasn't sure how the relationship between teacher and student would change. I was pleasantly surprised to find that, since you spend more time with your teachers, the relationship soon becomes friendly and amicable. I found that you could really rely on your teachers to help and support you in any way needed, particularly when you find yourself falling behind or struggling. Often setting up extra classes or revision sessions, giving up their own time to help you keep up with everything. You also receive a lot of support from the Head of Sixth Form, Mr Roberts, as he sorts out any issues you may have with new subjects or settling in if you are new. In addition to this we receive mentoring from our form tutors, finding out how we are getting on and pointing us in the right direction both in terms of school life and future career ideas.
Lucie Murphy
The two years I spent at St Michael's sixth form were some of my happiest, and most formative school years. I applied to the school because I knew that it would stretch me academically, and because I wanted to be connected with more like-minded individuals who would challenge me in the classroom. What I encountered, however, was a student body and staff that also supported my personal growth, and helped me be confident in my abilities. Having come from a school with very little pastoral support, I found the individual care afforded by the teachers and the warm welcome of the sixth formers marvellous. One of the things I loved most about my time at the school was the freedom we were granted. Sixth formers were trusted to use their free time wisely with minimal supervision, and in the classroom we were given the space and freedom to explore new concepts which not only prepared us well for exams, but also for a life of learning outside the classroom. This approach prepared me well to read an undergraduate History and English (joint honours) at Merton College, Oxford. Since finishing my degree in June 2020, I have become a mentoring manager for a tutoring company, and am planning to undertake a Master's degree in Gender Studies next academic year.
