This story is sponsored by St. Aidan’s & St. John Fisher Associated Sixth Form.
St. Aidan’s & St. John Fisher Associated Sixth Form is based in the heart of Harrogate neighbouring the famous Stray. With excellent bus and rail links, it provides an easily accessible and outstanding education for students already familiar with either school and offers a welcoming environment for new students.
Ahead of the Information Evening which takes place on Thursday January 19, the Stray Ferret spoke to two talented sisters who joined the Associated Sixth Form as newcomers moving to the area from South Africa and who are grateful to the schools for helping them to achieve their dreams.
Hannah Carey studied Dance, Biology and Spanish at A Level and is now training full-time at the prestigious Rambert Dance Company in London.
Previously at school in South Africa, Hannah had the challenge of adapting to not only a new school but a new country. She explained how she found it:
“In the Associated Sixth Form, I did not find myself to be the only dancer in my year group (as I had been at my old school) so I was presented with an array of opportunities.
“As I studied for my A Levels, it of course got harder and harder to manage the commitment demanded by my education and my developing dance career outside of school.
“My dance teachers were incredible and al of the staff in the Associated Sixth Form were really supportive throughout this time, towards me and other athletes in school. Their support enabled me and other students to achieve success in academic subjects and follow our dreams, whether that was to study dance as in my case or to pursue other sports or performance activities to an elite level.
“I can say without a doubt that I would not be where I am now, if it wasn’t for the support and encouragement I received from the Associated Sixth Form.”
Rower Lauren Carey is a student at the prestigious Ivy League Yale University in the US, where she is studying Economics and is a member of Yale Women’s Crew. She also competes annually at the World Championships with U23 Team GB and dreams of reaching the Olympics.
Joining the Sixth Form for Year 13 only, the invaluable pastoral support the Associated Sixth Form offers to newcomers was essential to Lauren. She studied Maths, Physics and Chemistry at A Level in the Associated Sixth Form and we asked her about the welcome she received:
“Diving headfirst into my final year of A Levels was always going to be tricky and I had the added concern of making new friends when friendship groups had already been formed. The friendly ethos of the Association and the staff and students made this much easier. I met some amazing people who had a real impact on me.
“Furthermore, academically the institution is brilliant. I struggled a little because I was transferring my South African education to a British one, but I was met with an overwhelming offering of help.”
The Sixth Form is well known for excellent results in academic subjects but actively encourages students to get involved with the extended curriculum. Lauren recalled how she experienced the support of the Sixth Form with her commitment to sport:
“St. Aidan’s & St. John Fisher Associated Sixth Form was a really understanding institution when it came to my sports. Whether it was allowing me to leave class 10 minutes early so that I could sprint to the train to get training on time, or the agreement that I could use my free periods to run to the gym to lift some weights.
The shared Christian ethos of both St Aidan’s Church of England High School and St John Fisher Catholic High School continues to thrive in the Associated Sixth Form and this is reflected in the personal qualities of the students who attend the schools, as Lauren explains:
“The Associated Sixth Form taught me to be hard working, kind and determined. The teachers inspired me and pushed me towards my dreams, something I am forever grateful for.”
St Aidan’s Associated Sixth Form Information Evening takes place on Thursday 19 January 2023. For further details and to book your place today, click or tap here.
The event provides the opportunity for parents/carers of Year 11 students currently attending either of the schools and new students and their parents/carers to meet subject teachers, current Sixth Form students and key staff. There will also be a presentation at which you can find out more about the excellent academic standards and pastoral support available.
