By Virginia, OLA 6th
Growing up in the Abingdon area, I had always had friends that attended Our Lady’s Abingdon; they would offer the highest praise of the school, and constantly recommend it to me as a place with an atmosphere like no other.
However, it wasn’t until I personally enrolled in the Sixth Form last year that I could fully appreciate the truth and enormity in these statements.
For me, the first year at OLA was academically and personally challenging – I hadn’t been in school full time for almost two years due to extreme struggles with my mental health. But the support both offered and given to me was tremendous – the tailored learning experience allowed me to make it through my first year of A-Levels, even managing a few extra-curriculars along the way – a feat I could only have dreamed of prior to starting at OLA. By the end of Year 12 and starting Year 13, I am doing better mentally, academically, and physically than ever before. Through the support of the incredible Sixth Form Heads and the English department, my dream of finally attending University is becoming a reality.
With my application in and interviews imminent, the exciting prospects of my future intertwine with the active and enjoyable day-to-day experience at school; a community oriented and inclusive society, wherein I am able to participate and endorse my interests and ideas.
OLA 6th has taught me how to both work on myself and take initiative, but also when to ask for help, and just how necessary a caring and accommodating environment is for excelling in learning.
There are many ways to find out more about studying in OLA 6th, but the best is to come to an open event and a taster day to make sure it is the right fit for you. Find out more about the sixth form curriculum here https://www.ola.org.uk/sixth-form/sixth-form-curriculum/ and register to visit here https://www.ola.org.uk/sixth-form/ola-6th-open-evenings/
TOP SCHOOL GUIDE LEAGUE TABLES: OLA is proud to be in the Top 100 Schools for A-Level Value-Added; where students achieved the highest grade improvement. Measuring student progress together with exam achievement.