Latest News

JS in Year 12 reports on a day in the life of a sixth former at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace.

I walk to school with my friend Lois every day. I meet her at the bus stop, and we have an unwritten rule that if I’m not there by 8:15 then she goes without me; that way its only one late and not two. It’s been this way for years. We've seen the same girl everyday who walks to the shop and the same woman with the pram and the same two boys, they’ve become rituals now. Today was a Friday, which meant a long day.  

I’m currently in the process of recovering from my Gold Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition. It was a surprisingly fun week and I really enjoyed spending time with my group, but it definitely took its toll physically. I was so excited to have a bath when I got back and to treat my aching feet. We walked over multiple mountain ranges and it was crazy to look back on where we’d walked from a distance. The practice really helped me figure out what I need to do for my qualifying expedition. Biggest takeaway: less clothes more food! 

The day started with politics. We staged a debate about ministerial and collective responsibility. I do enjoy the buzz that you get from speaking in front of a group of people, I used to hate it. I would start shaking and my mouth would go dry. I still get nervous, especially if I’m not entirely sure on if people will agree or not, but I have improved though. The debate was good (although I’m not sure that my side managed to secure the win) and I went off to English. We got our essays back that had been marked and I was pleasantly surprised, I can see my marks ticking up every time we get our essays returned.  

After English, with a welcomed break in the middle, I had American history. Like both of my other subjects, I feel more confident in it as time goes on and my skills develop. As much as I enjoy history, American history is probably my favourite subject but the others are close.   

I was excited for the end of the day. It was a Friday which meant going out with my friends after quite a hectic week of homework and super-curricular study. I walked back to the bus stop that I met Lois at in the morning, it acts as school’s cut off point to me. Ready for next week.    

JS - Year 12