The Life of a Sixth Former

Sixth Form Options

2011-01-18T16:40:00.000Z

At the beggining of year 12 I had to finalize which options I wanted to take. My first choice would have been Geography, but as I had to take english GCSE retake I wasn't able to :(. I was told my choices. They were:

- Drama

- Art

- Media Studies

- BTEC National IT award

The only choice that interested me in any way was IT. So it started the course in september 09' and am still doing it now.

I do have a few complaints about the course.

1) some of the units have no relevance to IT. Unit 1, for instance, was all to do wth how to write a C.V and what employers are looking for.

2) The school does not provide us with the text books. I have spent a year and a half sharing the textbooks that the school owns, and have now resorted to purchasing my own (from amazon of course) so that I am able to do some work from home.

3) The teachers hate marking our work. One of my teachers marked nothing of my work until christmas. That is 4 terms work! How do they expect us to progress without telling us how to improve?

I know this is a bit of a moan, but I need to get it out of my system.

Also, at the start of year 13 the school tried to get everyone in upper sixth to take a so called 'enrichment' course. The options were pathetic. General studies. Not one of my uni choices accepts General Studies. Goverment and politics, that would be ok appart from I dont want to become a politician. All I need to know is that I can vote at the age of 18. Last but definately least, COPE. Certificate of Personal Effectiveness, a qualification to tell potential employers that you are able to demonstrate personal skills. What a waste of time.

I got out of doing any of these courses. Which I am glad of. I have freinds doing them and they generally don't seem to like it very much. They don't appear to get alot done in these lessons, so what use are they?

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Sorry for not posting!

2011-01-18T16:25:00.002Z

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I was revising for my Biology exam today! I think it went ok which is good :).

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Silhouettes

2011-01-16T19:44:00.001Z

Silhouettes only give the viewer an outline as to what the subject is. I love them, I think they are a mystery. Take this silhouette for instance:-

You can tell that it is a person, most likely a man. But can you tell who it is? No. It is me, I had to do a self portrait assignment in the style of fashion photographer Nick Knight. Here is my inspiration for this photo:-

Mine is nowhere as good as Nick Knights but then again I don’t like taking fashion shots, and it was a self portrait.

Here is an example of a landscape silhouette that I took:-

As you can probably guess from my previous posts, I prefer taking landscapes. It’s what I am doing for my A2 photography year piece.

Exams!

2011-01-16T17:41:00.002Z

I have got two exams this week. I am really not looking forward to them. I have Biology retake on Tuesday, and Chemistry retake on Thursday. I really, really dislike Chemistry! I used to love it. At GCSE I got full marks in my chemistry modules! That made me want to become a chemist for a while. Ohh how my life has changed.

I now despise the subject with a passion. It could have something to do with me getting a U at As, or it could be to do with the absolutely horrid textbooks that the exam board gives us! Anyway I am retaking a Chemistry module on Thursday and hope to actually get a grade this time. last time I got 22/150 so I really, really failed.

I have been hiring a private Chemistry tutor, and have actually been making progress! Tonight was the last night that he is coming, which I am kind of glad about. I won’t miss Chemistry lessons. I do like Biology though. I got an A in my mock exam! I am also hoping to get a better grade in the module that I am retaking. I got an E last time, but I have now changed my ways and do lots of revision.

I got organised and used a folder! I have done every mock exam that I could find, and I have made flash cards! If you need someone to tell you the differences between continuous variation and discontinuous variation or key characteristics of the 5 kingdoms then I am your man!

Anyway, good luck if you have any exams!

Top 100 Things To Take To University

2011-01-15T17:01:00.002Z

As promised I would compile a list of the ‘top 100 things to take to university’. I decided to use categories to split the list up, and make it more user friendly. I hope you find this useful. I certainly have!
Bedding:-

Sheets
Duvet
Duvet cover
Pillow(s)
Pillow cover
Blanket

Bathroom:-

Shower gel
Shampoo
Deodorant
Aftershave / perfume
razors
Towels
toothbrush
toothpaste
toilet roll
air freshener

Clothing:-

Underwear
T-shirts
Jumpers/cardigans/vests/hoodies
shirts/blouse’s
shoes
fancy dress
formal wear (possibly :/)
Jeans
Trackies
Other trousers or skirts etc. for the females

Documents:-

Passport photos
Passport
driving licence
NI number
NHS card or similar
TV licence
Reading list
University confirmation of your place
Accommodation info
Bank details, cheque book etc.
Travel discount cards
CV
CRB check if required by the course
exam certificates
Insurance details
Information from LEA etc.

Electricals:-

extension leads
computer/laptop
Ethernet cable
speakers
Printer
USB pen drive
Mobile phone
Camera
MP3 player/iPod
TV, DVD player etc.
Games console
Alarm clock

Academic:-

Wall planner/calendar
Dictionary
Note pads/paper
Folders
Hole punch
Dividers
Plastic wallets
Text books for course
Pens
pencils
Highlighters
Old notes/text books (if relevant)

Things to make the room yours:-

Posters
Photos
beanbag
rug
clothes wash basket
small, office sized bin
desk lamp

Medical:-

Pain killers
plasters
hay fever medication
Prescription medication

Kitchen:-

Kettle
Toaster
Pans
bottle opener
tin opener
corkscrew
colander
sieve
scissors
chopping board
kitchen knives
wooden spoon
plastic tubs
cling film
tin foil
sandwich bags
cutlery
crockery
glasses
hot drinks
Baked beans
rice
pasta

And that’s it. My top 100 things that I would take to uni. I will end up taking more than this, but it gives you an idea of how to start. I think my first stop before September will be IKEA!