Year 12 students at a new sixth form in Nottingham have shared their plans for the future following an inspirational visit to Oxford University. Djanogly City Academy Sixth Form opened its doors to the new facility and welcomed its first A-level students last month, many of which have strong aspirations for what they plan to do after sixth form.
Mohammed Ali, 16, is studying Maths, Economics and History for his A-levels. When asked why he chose those subjects he said: "I chose Maths because I got a good grade in it. Economics I chose because it related to Maths and it gives me an understanding of the world and I chose history to keep my options open and I enjoyed doing it for GCSE."
"I'm hoping to go to university and study accountancy after sixth form, because I enjoy mathematics at sixth form and at GCSE, I like working with numbers." When asked what his favourite part was about the new sixth form, Mohammed said: "I would say the library because they have the small room in there where you can book it an nobody can go in there except you and your group.
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"You can also write on the tables and rub it off so its good for maths problem solving." He added that the sixth form is "really small right now, so we can focus on our work.
"It's been good so far, we've been to Oxford University. The lessons have been great as well."
Mohammed explained that he decided to join the sixth form because he is familiar with the site and the teachers, and he knows that "if I fall behind on my work, I know they will help me and help me progress."
Qirat Asgher, 16 is studying Biology, History and Sociology at the sixth form, and hopes to study either medical law or paramedic at the University of Nottingham after A-levels. She said: "I chose History and Sociology as I had an interest in learning about society and how it changes over the years and Biology was my favourite science and I found it really interesting."
Describing the new sixth form, Qirat said: "I just think they have utilised the space really well. We saw the building when it was completely empty.
"They used our feedback and ideas really well and their own vision to create a good space." When asked her favourite part about the new facilities, she said: "It would have to be the study hub where we usually sit with a group of people and take breaks during lunch time.
"When we have similar assignments we sit and talk about them together, and we can sit and enjoy games. Also the library, as I'm a bit of a book worm."
Another Year 12 student, Zulkarnan Haider, 17, is studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths. He said: "I chose Biology because we did it for GCSE and I loved it as you get a better understanding of the human life form and any life forms. Chemistry because I really enjoy it.
"I got a really good grade in all of them and really enjoy them." After sixth form Zulkarnan hopes to study medicine at university.
He said: "I just feel like working at a hospital is really important, and people respect you because you help people. It also links in with my religion as if you help people its doing a good deed."
When asked why he chose to continue his studies at the school's new sixth form, Zulkarnan said: "Mainly because I know all the teachers, I feel really comfortable and can talk to them, and the students here. I know them all as they went to my other school."
These three students as well as 37 other students in Year 12 went to Oxford University for a trip earlier this month, as the school wanted to show them how many opportunities are available after sixth form.
Head of sixth form, Joe Irons, described the first cohort of A-level students as "very aspirational students." He said: "I think I couldn't be more impressed with the students that we have.
"They have started off the year just using their time effectively as a whole, whether that's in lessons or whether that's in study periods. They have created a special environment up there where they work together as a team, and I think that's one of the key things for success.
"The students here have started really well, the transition from GCSE to sixth form isn't easy and they have really transitioned well. My role as Head of Sixth Form has been made quite a bit easier because of the students."
Mr Irons continued: "They are using the library effectively and in lessons they are trying hard. We want to make this the best sixth form in the local area and the highest achieving sixth form in the local area, and we are on track to do that."
He explained that the sixth form is preparing all the A-level students for either university or apprenticeships after their time with the school. He added: "We recently took all of our students down to Oxford University to raise aspirations but also to let them know that opportunities like that are available to them. "
Principal Andy Smith, Principal of Djanogly City Academy, added that it was a "real pleasure" to welcome the current Year 12s to the new sixth form. He said: "It's a real joy to see them, the atmosphere around the sixth form is just how we hoped it would be."
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