Hear from our Students who have recently joined our WHS Community in different year groups throughout our school:
Farah and Sasha joined our WHS Community from Singapore in September 2023 and they kindly shared with me their reflection on their Transition:
What helped ensure you had a smooth transition?
Sasha: I think that the buddy system helped me to have a smooth transition because they ensured that I had someone to eat lunch with and helped me when I was unsure of something.
Fara: I think that the positive and open mindset to new students shown from my peers really encouraged me to reach and make new friends. I also thought the teachers were extremely helpful as they ensured that I was up to date with all the content I missed and helped me along the way with the shift in work rate and level.
What were you positively surprised by?
Sasha: The variety of different sports that I have never played before like Cricket and Hockey.
Fara: I was surprised by the wide range of activities in this school because it gave me a great opportunity to try a bit of everything.
How would you describe Wimbledon High in three words?
Sasha: Creative, Welcoming and Friendly.
Fara: Inspiring, fun and academic.
Did you have any challenges and if so, how did you overcome them?
Sasha: I think that navigating my way around school may have been a challenge, but making friends in different classes and Sports helped me to have a smoother transition and not be lost.
Fara: As I first joined this school I found the jump from the International Curriculum to the British Curriculum quite difficult to adjust to and having to cover content I had not studied before in my old school. However my teachers were very proactive and took action by assisting me further in class, as they noticed a few gaps in my knowledge for some specific subjects and offered me a Tutor or extra support sessions.
How have you grown this year?
Sasha: I think I have opened up and talked to more people to expand my friendships and I have enjoyed doing things I wouldn't have done before I came to Wimbledon High School, there are so many opportunities that I couldn't have experienced.
Fara: I think this year my work ethic and rate has changed for the better and I am more determined to do well and excel in my learning, whether that is putting my hand up more in class or spending my time or managing it more productively.
What are your top tips for new joiners to our school community?
Sasha: Be open minded, you never know you could find your new passion whether it is art, music or sports you will enjoy it! Even if you are feeling nervous about where to go and what to do, if you can't make the induction the teachers will be happy to make a zoom meeting to introduce you to your buddies!
Fara: Reach out of your comfort zone and try new things because you could find your new passion or favourite hobby.
Anything else that a new joiner should know?
Sasha: Have fun!
Fara: Everyone is really nice so don't be scared.
Voices from the Y10 Occasional Vacancies
Sofia, Emilie and Chanchri share their experience as new Y10's to WHS this year.
What helped ensure you had a smooth transition as a new pupil into Y10?
Emilie: As a new pupil moving into Y10, I met my friends very quickly by having buddies. They helped me meet new people and introduced me to everyone which made me feel very comfortable with everyone quickly! As well as this, I gained online contacts before I started school in September, which meant I had already started getting to know some people via WhatsApp for an example.
What were you positively surprised by?
Emilie: When I joined the school in Y10, I was positively surprised by how welcoming everyone was and by the fact that people weren't too enclosed into their own friendship groups which meant I could meet lots of different people in the year group. Furthermore, the teachers gave a lot of support in the subjects that I needed to catch up on. For an example, In Maths, I got a Y12 tutor that kindly helped me catch up on Y9 missed content very smoothly and quickly!
How would you describe Wimbledon High in three words?
Emilie: If I had to describe Wimbledon High in three words, they would be: Supportive, innovative and collaborative.
Did you have any challenges and if so, how did you overcome them?
Emilie: I would say that one of my biggest challenges, especially towards the start of the year, was finding a good school/life balance. As I started to get used to a new routine, I think I managed to adapt and therefore find a good balance where I could work hard and get things for school done, while at the same time, taking time for myself and doing things I enjoy outside of school which I think was really important for me to have, particularly when joining a new school and adjusting to a new routine.
How have you grown this year?
Emilie: This year, I definitely stepped outside of my comfort zone by trying new sports such as water polo, and pushing myself further by doing some Model UN, and attending a Model UN conference. In addition to meeting new people, I think this really helped me grow this year to prove and motivate myself on what I am capable of doing personally. Moving to Wimbledon High, I have been exposed to people who inspire me and motivate me, and I think that has certainly pushed me towards my personal goals.
What are your top tips for new joiners to our school community?
Emilie: To all new joiners to the Wimbledon High community, my top tips would be:
- Don't worry about trying to find a secure friendship group or settling in with just one group of people. Meet and make friends with the different people you like, and it should figure itself out from there.
- There are so many opportunities and experiences you can get involved in, so don't shy away from getting involved. Throw yourself into what interests you and don't worry about what other people are doing.
- Always get help from your teachers when you need to because it is one of the biggest helps you can get. They will definitely organise any kind of support for you. In terms of my Y10 catch up, physics club after school, my Y12 Maths tutor, and my Biology extra help got me through the year!