In preparation for her A Levels, Romane reflects on her GCSEs retake journey over the past year.
1) Describe your educational experiences before you came to EIC. When did you join – in what year group were you?
Before coming to EIC, my educational experiences were challenging. In my previous school, I faced difficulties, where teachers weren’t willing to help students succeed, which made it hard to fully enjoy and engage in my studies. The environment wasn’t as supportive as I had hoped, and it impacted my ability to thrive both academically and personally. I’m grateful to be at EIC now, where I’ve had the opportunity to grow in a place that better aligns with my needs and aspirations.I joined EIC in 2023 and chose to retake year 11.
2) Describe your educational attitude before you came to EIC. What were you hoping for when you joined the College?
Before I came to EIC, my educational attitude was pretty laid-back. I struggled with motivation and often found myself procrastinating, which affected my performance in school. I did everything at the very last minute and never once stressed about anything. I knew I wasn’t reaching my full potential, and that frustrated me. I never had any teachers that believed in me and they were never able to help me develop any skills. As my grades got worse, it was never a wake up call to do better and in fact did the opposite and I started to give up on my education. However, when I joined EIC, I was hoping for a fresh start—a place where I could find the drive and support I needed to turn things around. I wanted to be in an environment that would challenge me, inspire me to work harder, and help me develop better study habits and a stronger work ethic. At EIC this happened almost immediately.
3) How did life at Ealing Independent College differ from what you had previously experienced?
Life at Ealing Independent College differed immensely from what I had previously experienced. It was a significant shift from my old school. At my old school, I often felt disconnected and unmotivated, but EIC offered a more engaging and supportive environment. The teachers never stopped motivating me, were always willing to help me and never made me feel embarrassed about asking anything. The smaller class sizes allowed for more attention from teachers, therefore, led to them prioritising people individually which made a big difference in my understanding and interest in the subjects. This made me enjoy subjects that I never liked and gave me the ability to work harder. The college’s focus on academic excellence and its strong community spirit helped me become more disciplined and motivated in my studies. Unlike my previous school, EIC provided the structure and encouragement I needed to take my education seriously and strive for success.
4) How did you do at GCSE? Were you happy with your grades?
For my GCSEs, I was generally happy with my results, especially considering the progress I made compared to the previous year. My grades reflected the hard work I put in, and I was proud of the results I achieved. I improved immensely in some subjects and I am proud of the effort I put in constantly throughout the year. I never gave up and stayed prompt the whole time. However, I do wish I had done slightly better in a few subjects. While I’m pleased with how far I’ve come, I see it as a learning experience and a reminder to keep pushing myself to reach my full potential in the future.
5) Have there been any times over the last two years that you’ve found particularly difficult or challenging? How did you get through them?
Over the last two years, I’ve definitely faced some challenging moments. One of them being the fact that i had to adjust to the different mindsets that everyone had compared to my old school. Everyone clearly is willing to put all the work in to succeed.There were definitely higher expectations at EIC which meant i had to work constantly which i gradually got used to even though it was tough to stay on top of everything.To get through it, I had to develop better time management skills and create a more structured routine. I started setting myself achievable goals and focused on one task at a time, taking my studies seriously and in advance. I didn’t rush anything and worked a little everyday which helped me stay organised and reduced stress. Seeking support from teachers was also crucial—they provided guidance and encouragement when I needed it most. They never hesitated and gave me the help that I sought. These challenges taught me resilience and how to cope with pressure, and in the end, they helped me grow both academically and personally as a person.
6) What are you planning to do next?
In year 12, I’m planning to study Biology, Chemistry, Maths and French for my A-Levels. These subjects really interest me and align with my long-term goals. I have always been interested in stem subjects throughout my whole life which will help me in studying medicine in the future. After completing my A-Levels, I’m aiming to attend university in the United States. I’m drawn to the diverse opportunities and academic environment that American universities offer, and I believe it will be the perfect place to further my education and pursue my passion in the sciences. It has always been my dream to study in a foreign country where everything differs from here, including the mindset that everyone has. I’m excited about the challenges ahead and look forward to taking the next steps toward my future career.
7) What makes the College special?
At Ealing Independent College, the incredible support from the teachers stands out to me the most. We have an informal way of expressing ourselves with teachers with respect, making it a very comfortable environment with no judgement. The principal is welcoming and always there and available. Teachers are constantly congratulating us for the smallest achievements made. They genuinely care about each student’s success and go above and beyond to help us reach our potential and aren’t hesitant to help us achieve our goals no matter the circumstances. They always encourage students and see the best in them. The environment is what has helped me shift my attitude the most. Whether it’s offering extra help outside of class, providing feedback, or simply being there to listen, the teachers create a space where you feel supported and encouraged to do your best. Their dedication and their care for everyone’s well being has made a huge difference in my learning experience, and it’s one of the main reasons why the College feels like such a positive and motivating place to be.
8) Do you have any particular memories in terms of a ‘breakthrough’ while you were here? What particular thing made you change/become more focused?
One particular breakthrough moment for me at Ealing Independent College was during a challenging period in the middle of the year. I was struggling with a complex topic in Chemistry, and despite my efforts, I couldn’t grasp the concepts. My grades started to go down and I remember feeling frustrated and close to giving up. However, my teacher noticed I was having a hard time and never once doubted me despite me slowly losing motivation. In maths, I wasn’t getting the grades I desired at the start of the year and truly believed I had no potential in that subject but that’s when my teacher started offering to spend extra time with me after class. It never bothered him and he always gave up his free time in order to help me improve immensely which I did in a matter of months. He broke down the topic into simpler parts, explaining it in a way that finally clicked for me. This experience not only helped me understand the material but also boosted my confidence. It made me realise the importance of seeking help when needed and to never feel embarrassed to ask. I then started to put my mind to it and put more effort everyday until I was happy with myself. Those moments were a turning point because it showed me that I was capable of overcoming academic challenges. From that point on, I became more focused and determined, knowing that with the right mindset and support, I could tackle even the toughest subjects with the help of the amazing teachers that I had.
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