Facing GCSE mock exams!
The first half of the Autumn term in Year 11 has been busy, but seemed to fly by. It’s a little daunting to realise that in just 7 months, I’ll be right in the middle of my GCSE exams.
After a relaxing summer - which after three work experiences at the start seemed to be over all too soon - Year 11 started well. Although I hadn’t aimed to do much work over the holidays, I did manage to get in plenty of coding practice for Computer Science, which is fairly relaxing (at least it is when I’ve grasped it). I’m writing this blog deep in the middle of revision for GCSE mock exams, which start in just three days time.
"I did manage to get in plenty of coding practice for Computer Science, which is fairly relaxing (at least it is when I’ve grasped it)."
Ballet milestones and looking ahead
I took my Grade 8 ballet exam in August at the Royal Academy of Dance headquarters in Battersea. I was a little thrown off at first, after struggling with one of the earlier exercises (fortunately not part of the marking!) but I did manage to get back on track for the graded solo elements. I felt my dances mainly went as planned, and was pleased to learn recently that - although I didn’t quite achieve enough marks for a distinction - I was awarded a high merit. Having completed the highest grade syllabus, I am now continuing with my ‘Advanced Foundation’ vocational award training. I have my exam for this in 5 weeks’ time, so I’ll aim to get in some extra practice after I’m finished with my mock exams.
New adventures with RAF cadets
I kept up good attendance with my local RAF cadets over the summer. After completing the induction programme, I was then formally enrolled at a parade ceremony. There are training nights twice a week, along with some weekends, so my schedule is pretty much packed out now. Training nights rotate between practicing marching or drill; sports training and competitions; military knowledge and classifications, but also some fun games and recreation time. We were privileged to take part in the Battle of Britain parade at County Hall, complete with all the local dignitaries. But what I most liked was hearing from the four WW2 veterans that attended – whose average age was actually over 100!
The most challenging things I have done with the military so far were a 17km road march with a backpack and a fieldcraft weekend. I found the march hardest towards the end, because of the pace we had to keep up. The fieldcraft was pretty novel to me, not least because we had to look after and administer ourselves completely in the field, including cooking our rations and sleeping outdoors. However, nearly all those that had signed up for the weekend had been cadets for some time, so were already experienced in fieldcraft. This was all completely new to me and my friend though. We were meant to have had some classroom lessons and training nights spent on these skills – including how to set up a bivouac shelter and pack our ‘bergen’ – but for whatever reason they hadn’t been squeezed into the programme in time. So, heading out into the cold and dark - with no clue what we were doing or what to expect - felt somewhat of a baptism by fire! I am pleased I will be able to continue my Duke of Edinburgh awards with RAF Cadets, as it will enable me to build relationships beyond school life.
Looking forward to sixth form
We visited another sixth form open day over the summer, and have been to two more this term. I feel pleased to have plenty of good options where I would be happy studying for A-levels. I'm as yet undecided on my final combination of subjects, but have been considering Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Latin and Geography (perhaps Psychology too, but it's new to me) in various combinations. I also look forward to being allowed greater independence; more individual study time and being out of uniform – although maybe the novelty of this last benefit will wear off, when I have to plan what to wear each day.
But for now – back to my revision notes!
Best wishes,
Nampet
