Maciej Alumni

Subjects studied:

Physics, Maths, Computer Science and EPQ.

What was your experience of Sixth Form lessons?

Small, very focused class size allowed for comfortable sharing of ideas and encouraged brainstorming. Teachers are true professionals with a passion for their subjects. Asking for help is encouraged and teachers took questions and gave answers not just during lesson time but also in between lessons and even in the corridor! A healthy balance of doing work with other students and silent revision in the study centre seemed to be the golden formula. Sixth Form provided students with a lot of independence and finally made me feel like the subjects which I am studying align with my personal interests which made studying feel enjoyable rather than it being a chore.

How was your experience of studying the EPQ?

An EPQ was an opportunity to write a professional piece of writing on something that I am truly interested in. It allowed me to go beyond my A-Levels and gain some insight into topics which I wouldn't have learned about as part of the curriculum. My research was on superconductors which I wrote an analysis on. I found out why they aren't as common as they seemingly should be as I explored the history of the technology as well as its significance now and in the past. The EPQ gave me good academic writing skills and gave me insight into how scientific reports are written, referenced and structured.

The EPQ lowered my entry requirements to my university by 2 whole grades. My EPQ was also the ultimate factor which motivated my decision to study Electronic Engineering.

How was your Thomas Paine Sixth Form social experience?

Break time, lunch and free periods allowed for plenty of social time. The Sixth Form truly felt like a tightly knit community and not just between the students but also the teachers who always made sure to have positive, friendly interactions with all students. I count the two years of Sixth Form as some of the best times in my life and the memories made, skills learnt, and opportunities seized are all things which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. It felt like everyone was lot more mature in Sixth Form which also led to all the Sixth Formers being closer than they ever were in high school. I took part in multiple trips including the London Museum trip, Sizewell B and a few others. All these experiences helped bring the Sixth Formers together and created a bond between the students which carried on for the rest of our time at Sixth Form.

What support did you receive at Thomas Paine Sixth Form?

I struggled with certain topics in Physics, however after some help from my teachers, combined with usage of the free learning tools made available to us, I was able to tackle the challenging sections of A-Level Physics. Private online tutoring was also made available to us for free, to support us with a subject which we struggled with.

How have you developed personally as a Thomas Paine Student?

My revision skills improved dramatically during my time in Sixth Form due to the push for independence. Sixth Form has made me a more determined person which can be attributed to the teachers’ constant efforts to improve us academically and motivate students to achieve their dreams no matter how distant they seem.

What information and guidance were you given regarding further education and opportunities after Sixth Form?

The university process is a high priority in the Sixth Form and the guidance throughout the process filled made me with confidence about what lies ahead. The teachers made sure to answer any questions we had about the UCAS process and guidance in the form of reading through our personal statements and various other face to face meetings proved to be really beneficial during what many consider a stressful process.

What leadership opportunities did you take part in at Sixth Form?

The role of House Captain made me push past my social limits and definitely contributed to my growth in confidence as a person. From leading meetings with other year groups in the school to making appearances in assemblies in front of nearly 200 students, the House Captain role taught me a lot about how to act in certain social scenarios and keep a stress-free attitude in not so comfortable scenarios.

What super-curricular experiences did you take part in at Sixth Form?

The Sizewell B trip gave me great inspiration to apply for the Electrical and Electronic Engineering course. Seeing what my course might lead to in the future and what the skills which I will learn at university allow engineers to do, was a significant factor in me picking this subject.