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New to Clifton in the Sixth Form

Hello, my name is Sophie Jones and I joined here at Clifton this September and I would just like to talk to you about my own experience in joining Clifton as a new Lower Sixth Form girl.

Before I actually looked around the school I had convinced myself that I wouldn’t like Clifton, I wouldn’t fit in and basically that Clifton wasn’t the place for me.

It’s tough starting in a new school and sometimes our insecurities get the better of us. I had convinced myself that Clifton would be too big, that I would not make friends, that it would be hard to get in to the sports teams because Clifton is renowned for being good sportingly.

But all this started to change when I was shown around, approximately this time last year, by a friendly Sixth Former who gave me the guided tour of Clifton and it’s facilities as you are about to have done.

I was impressed by what I saw, and my fears began to dwindle as I hope yours, if you have any, will do too.

My worst fears weren’t realised and Clifton has turned out to be a fantastic place to be. The beginning of term is broken into with auditions for the school play, for which I have been fortunate enough to land the leading female role. There are also auditions for house song and part song competition, which is then followed, by auditions for the house play competition. This is a good opportunity for those that are new to get to know the other people in their houses, those in the other years and is an excellent way to integrate in to Clifton life.

Sporting wise there is a huge variety of choice, varying from hockey training and matches through to yoga classes and hip hop dance lessons. I am really enjoying playing hockey in the Third XI’s team as the goalkeeper and team spirit has brought us team mates closer together with a common goal.

Now, on a slightly more serious note, work. Inevitably the step up from GCSE work to A Level is challenging, but I have found that small classes and support from my teachers and tutor has kept me focused and helped to make the transition a pleasant one.

This is just a small glimpse of what I have found joining Clifton to be like, and I am so glad that I did decide to join as I have slotted in nicely and made a great group of friends. I hope today gives you every opportunity to assess Clifton for yourself, please enjoy the rest of your day and I hope to meet you again in September.

Sophie Jones

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