Arriving at Horndean Technology College!

For the first couple of days of making the transition to HTC I was nervous. Being nervous was normal I was told and now reflecting back I understand this. When you first arrive you feel very little and vulnerable, but as the weeks fly away you realise you have settled in very nicely to your new classes.
On my first day I was really anxious to know how the day would go, I was worried about fitting in, doing everything right as well as making friend and being polite. Soon I found I had many opportunities to meet new people, during group work, teams and break times. Homework was one of the things that I was really worried about before I started at this school, I was nervous that maybe I wouldn't be able to keep up, or I would forget or I would have NO free time. All of these I was incorrect about. Homework isn't that bad as long as you write it in your planner, it's hard to forget.
Horndean Technology College has made me more motivated, hard working, independent and organised; these things naturally come to you as the year progresses! I thought I would really miss my old teachers, but I haven't. As the terms go by, you completely forget and can never imagine you in your old school. Tutor is a great lesson, we have 20 minutes or so to reflect on our week and also celebrate achievements as a class. After a term or so our tutor class has started to be more fun because everyone knows each other, ALL tutor teachers aren't just teachers they are more like friends, they're trying to help us out as much as they can with our education just like all the other teachers that lead your lessons.

By Maddie Presdee-Gray 7V

When I first started HTC it was only me and 1 friend from my junior school.
I was nervous because I didn't know what to do or where I was going or if I would get lost. When we got there we got into our tutors and they showed us round. We also introduced ourselves to everyone. These few things made me feel more confident. Although I was nervous I was excited as well. I was looking forward to taking a big step into senior school.
A few weeks after we settled in there was an oppourtunity for us to go on a trip to PGL windmill hill. This was a great opportunity to make new friends and get to know the teachers. I really would recommend this trip. We had great fun and I made a lot of new friends. As I didn't know anyone it was a good thing to do so I could get to know the people in my year group.  We did lots of activities for courage and teamwork.
I have now got a group of really good friends. 1 I met because she lives round the corner from me, 3 are in my tutor, and 3 were introduced to me. I have other friends as well as some in my tutor and some not. I have had an amazing time in year 7. I have made loads of new friends and learnt a lot of new things. I feel so happy to be in this school.
I really feel I have grown in myself in the last 8 months. In my junior school I didn't feel confident enough to go away on residential. Horndean has totally changed the way I feel about this as i'm going skiing next year for a week!
I hope you enjoy year 7 as much as I have.

By Lucia Crown 7V

The Trips we have been on!

• Little Shop of Horrors - I really enjoyed being a part of such a fantastic show, it was a great experience for me. As well as the rehearsals were not too heavy, but the teachers gave everyone encouragement and praise. Every year a show is performed, so everyone has plenty of opportunities to be a part of a stunning show performed in Barton Hall.
• Jack and the Beanstalk - We got the opportunity to spectate this smashing show which included some famous actors and actresses for example Brit Ekland! To watch the show we were only asked to pay a very small price for our ticket and coach ride. When we arrived at the beautiful theatre and located our seats, the teachers had brought three carrier bags of sweets and snacks which included: Jelly beans, Cookies, Popcorn, Fruit Pastels, Maltesers, crisps and so much more!
• Geography Trip - the Geography trip was so much fun, we got to visit London's Natural Geography Museum! The Earthquake zone was particularly one of my favourtie parts of visiting the interesting museum.
• The News Trip - On the News trip some students got to go to a real life newspaper studio. Everyone got to write an article about whatever tickled their fancy. The end product was amazing; each piece looked like a genuine article from a newspaper.
• Horrible Science - Amazinly the show of Horrible Science was performed; the stunning effects really enhanced the viewing of the show. The second half of the show was completed with 3D effects, all you could hear were other pupils shouting and screaming because strange things were shooting out through the 3D!