Student Stories
Shakira, Year 12
Studying: Psychology, Biology, Chemistry A Levels
Previous education: Lady Margaret Primary School; Islip Manor High School
Since joining Islip Manor Sixth Form, the biggest highlight for me has been gaining more independence in my studies. With more free periods and a timetable focused on my chosen subjects, I finally feel able to concentrate fully on Psychology, Chemistry and Biology without the pressure of other subjects. Because I studied here during high school, I already knew many of the teachers, and that support has only grown stronger now that I’m in the Sixth Form.
Outside of lessons, I really enjoy Art Club. It’s where I can express myself creatively, unwind and release any stress from my academic subjects. I also take part in seated dining leadership, which I love because it allows me to help others and give something back to the school community.
My ambition is to study Dentistry, ideally in the United States. I’ve already started researching universities and would love to attend either Harvard or the University of Pennsylvania. Dentistry has been my dream for years, and I’m determined to make it a reality.
I feel the Sixth Form is preparing me really well for the future. The teachers in my subjects are incredibly knowledgeable—some even taught me during my GCSEs—and they’ve played a huge role in helping me achieve the grades I did. We’re also offered a range of work experience opportunities, which is so helpful, especially for students who aren’t sure yet about their career path.
Looking ahead, I’m really excited to move into the new Sixth Form building. I’m hoping for more advanced technology and modern classrooms, especially since the building we’re currently in is quite old.
Sara, Year 12
Studying: Maths, Further Maths, Physics A Levels
Previous education: Iran; Islip Manor High School
The highlight of Sixth Form for me has definitely been the teachers and the lessons. I love how the subjects feel more serious now and how the teachers treat us as young adults. Having more independence—like managing my own free periods—has helped me learn how to use my time wisely and make my own decisions.
One of my favourite parts of Sixth Form life is taking part in violin lessons with the Year 7s. I’m learning violin alongside them, and because I’ve played piano for many years, being able to expand my musical skills has been amazing. I’ve also really enjoyed helping at school events such as parents’ evening, open evening and Christmas activities. These opportunities have boosted my confidence, helped me improve my communication skills and taught me how to engage with people I’ve never met before.
In the future, I want to study astrophysics at university and eventually work for NASA as an astrophysicist and astronaut. I love physics, especially the practical work, because it prepares me for the kind of hands-on exploration I hope to continue at university and beyond.
I feel the Sixth Form is preparing me brilliantly for the future. Teachers treat us more like adults, and the expectations and responsibilities are similar to what I imagine university will be like. Leadership hours have particularly helped me grow my social skills and confidence.
I’m really looking forward to moving into the new building, especially to see the upgraded labs and advanced technology that will help us study in even more depth.
Dariosh, Year 12
Studying: Maths, Further Maths, Computer Science A Levels
Previous education: Wood End Primary School; Islip Manor High School
My highlight of Sixth Form so far has been the freedom and trust we’re given. Managing my own study time helps me stay focused, and choosing subjects I’m genuinely passionate about has made a huge difference to my motivation. Because I studied here in high school, it’s been great to strengthen relationships with teachers and peers I already knew.
I really enjoy taking part in Chess Club. The internal tournaments are fun and challenging, and they’ve helped me develop my strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. I also enjoy going on trips—they’re a great chance to explore new places with friends while learning outside the classroom.
My ambition is to study Computer Science at university, hopefully at Cambridge or UCL. My long-term goal is to become a social analyst, which has been a dream of mine for years.
Sixth Form is preparing me well for that future. We’re expected to manage our own timetables and workload, which feels very similar to what university life will be like. Making decisions about our subjects and our future paths is also helping me develop important life skills.
What I’m most excited about is being part of the first cohort to move into the new Sixth Form building. It feels like a privilege to represent Islip Manor as we take this next step.
Hadi, Year 13
Studying: BTEC Applied Science
Previous education: Petts Hill Primary School; Islip Manor High School
One of the biggest highlights for me has been moving beyond GCSE-level learning and exploring subjects in much greater depth. The lessons are more challenging and meaningful, and I’ve really enjoyed being pushed to think independently and develop stronger study skills.
Outside of lessons, I take part in the debating club, which has helped me build confidence and think critically about different topics. Looking ahead, I hope to study aerospace engineering at university, with the ambition of becoming an engineer or scientist in the future.
Islip Manor Sixth Form is preparing me well for what’s next by teaching advanced subject content and helping me mentally prepare for adult life. I’m especially excited about moving into the new Sixth Form building - the modern design and upgraded science facilities will create a more professional environment and make practical lessons even more engaging.
Yatri, Year 13
Studying: Maths, Biology, Chemistry
Previous education: Greenwood Primary School; India; Islip Manor High School
One of the things I value most is the unique, supportive community at Islip Manor Sixth Form, which has helped me build close relationships with both my teachers and peers.
I’m planning to go to university to study biomedical science and would love to work in a laboratory environment in the future, exploring knowledge in greater depth. Islip Manor Sixth Form has supported me well with my UCAS application through regular mentoring, dedicated sessions and access to extra-curricular opportunities.
I’ve taken part in several extracurricular opportunities, including mechanics club, which has strengthened my maths skills, and debate club, which opened a horizon of skills that I later used in a biology essay competition outside of school. I’ve also mentored GCSE students, which was a rewarding experience for both them and myself.
Faizan, Year 12
Studying: Maths, Physics, Computer Science
Previous education: Willow Tree Primary School; Islip Manor High School
One of the biggest highlights for me has been meeting so many new people with different backgrounds, experiences, ideas and ambitions. Learning alongside such a diverse group has made lessons more engaging because I’m not just learning from teachers, but also from the people around me. It has also helped me grow both socially and personally. I feel part of a more mature and diverse community, where everyone has something valuable to share.
In the future, I hope to study actuarial science at university and pursue a career as an actuary. Islip Manor Sixth Form has helped prepare me by encouraging independence and treating students more like adults, which has really helped me develop strong time-management and organisational skills. I also take part in a leadership hour, where I support Year 7 students during lunchtime. This has helped me develop confidence, responsibility and communication skills.