When I came to the taster day I felt as if my world had gone upside down, as I looked around frantically to catch a view of any familiar face. There was none. Inside my head there was a voice echoing what I thought to be the truth, "there's no hope for you here!" That was not the truth. Only minutes from when I was pushed through the door I was making polite conversation with a boy called James. Making friends was that easy! Many people were in the same solemn situation as me when they saw so many unknown faces. I myself did not realise that.

 

After a speech from Mr. Fear we went into our forms to meet our form teachers. I expected two grotesque men that cracked the whip mercilessly on any child to break the rules. Instead of my horror movie worthy monsters I got two kind men that knew our predicament and warmed to us very quickly.

 

Throughout my first week I felt small and insignificant. The building was huge, not to mention the large buildings surrounding it. I felt that I was the mouse and the building was the maze. Although it was hard, I got used to the fact that I had to move very often from lesson to lesson. Your mind just carries your feet eventually.

 

Soon after I started I had made many friends and had begun to do well in most subjects. The teachers are generally very tolerant and warm-hearted people. All you need to do to get on their good side is pay attention (sometimes that is the hardest thing to do) and try your best.

 

Many people come to this school and are apprehensive about the higher level of work. It is true that the High School has a reputation of taxing work, but that reputation is only half right. Substantial amounts of work are necessary in some subjects e.g. English and Maths. However, most subjects only give a lot of work on off days e.g. D.T or I.C.T.

 

"Homework," that dreaded word. Homework is a very big factor, and for the first term I was swamped with it. But it wasn't that bad in the second term because my mind had grown used to the fact that I should sit down and get it done. Although there is a lot on certain occasions, it becomes second nature.

 

If you were like me coming alone from a village school you seem to think everyone will already have friends and there's no room for you. However that was not true, most are eager to include a new friend. All you need to do is introduce yourself; some will accept you and some will not.

 

Settling into the High School life has been less difficult than I had first contemplated. The work, though at first very challenging, has now become the norm. Friends are valuable at school, because in a place with so many pupils it is good to have some people close. My experience of the High School has been positive in all factors. Take this opportunity.