How many weeks until Christmas? 

I wrote a similar post to this before I started Sixth Form back in August so I feel like it's only right if I return to it and write an update. I hope, like the last one (actually one of my most viewed posts- so thank you!), it is just as helpful but if not, think of this as like a diary. 

I have just re-read the prequel to this before I start writing and to sum it up, I was very worried. Worried about not really knowing anyone, making friends and of course, starting back at school still in a global pandemic after having 5 months out of education. 

Daunting. 

However, (in short) it's been much better than I ever imagined it could be. I feel like that's always the way as we worry too much about things for them to actually be okay. And you end up wondering why you worried so much. 

Here comes the detail:

The bus

Considering I had never been on the bus to school before, this wasn't one of the main things I was worried about. In saying that, on my first day I did have my mum and sister come with me to the bus stop on their way to work. When both my sisters were in Sixth Form, I used to hear many stories about bus antics and with everything COVID related, I had no idea what it was going to be like. We're on there with another school but at the start of term, they had a staggered start so it was very quiet and you could still social distance for a while. Now, it's so busy! I'm so glad we have to wear masks and have the windows open. I'm not too keen on the journey home especially if there is traffic as I want to be home as quickly as possible but in the morning, it's quite nice to have a bit time to think about your day before you get to school. The same with coming home as you can process your day but it just feels a lot longer, and now very dark! 

I'm very lucky that I have days where I have no lessons and some half days where I can get the bus home early.

Subjects

Since I started my GCSEs, I've known what I've wanted to do for my A-levels which made life so much easier at information evenings. But I know that isn't the case for everyone! I picked English Language, Media studies and Photography. As I did them at GCSE, I had an idea of what they would entail but they are so much harder than I thought. I have been told by more people than I know that A-levels will be the hardest thing you will ever do but I suppose you only believe them when you experience it for yourself. Don't get me wrong, I love them all and I haven't actually had a boring lesson yet (famous last words). I think that's because I find everything that I'm learning about so interesting which certainly helps. I already have full folders and have written more notes than I probably did throughout year 11 and typed up many a essay so sometimes (a lot of the time), I feel pretty knee deep in it all. However, I do like a challenge and wouldn't like it if I found it easy. 

Like I mentioned earlier, I have a lot of more free periods than I expected so I try and get a lot of work done in them. I spend a lot of time in the photography room as it's easier to do Photography work in there and I love being in a creative environment. If I'm not in there, you can find me in the library as one thing I have learnt about myself, is that I work best in silence. I never thought I'd say that as I used to find silence scary, especially in an exam hall but I concentrate so much better. 

The general feel

I love the amount of freedom we have which is something you never get in high school. I feel very independent but there is a good balance with the great support from my teachers. One of the main things I was worried about was making friends but I feel like I have settled in well and have already met some lovely people. I am so used to wearing a mask everyday that I don't even notice wearing one and it feels weird if I don't wear one. However, it was quite weird meeting people and chatting to them with a mask on though! 

You can probably guess that one of my favourite things is that you're allowed to wear your own clothes, it can be stressful but to me, it somehow makes it so much more fun. 

I wanted to also share some little tips that I've learnt in the first half term too- hope you find these helpful! 

1. Have folders and file sheets every night

I didn't do this at the start but I am so glad it has become part of my routine now! I have wallets that I have in my bag with homework in due for that day or notes from the lesson. And then when I come home, I file them in my folders. This decreases the amount of sheets lying around and things getting lost which would be a nightmare. 

2. Take in work from the lesson before

I do this so I can look back at my notes and mostly we carry on learning from the lesson before so it's good to always have them there. 

3. Plan outfits

I normally do this the night before but I'm also thinking of being super organised and doing it all on a Sunday. It saves so much time in the morning!

4. Work in your frees if you can

I am a to-do list person through and through but I have never written more than I do now! They are a life saver. 

I feel like I'm finishing up an essay haha but to sum up, I am loving it but there is no denying that it is major hard work. You just have to take each day as it comes and make sure to give time for yourself too. 

Bethan xx

I love a good quote. I have prints on my bedroom walls, books on my bedside table full of them but one of my favourite sources of quotes is @quotesbychristie on Instagram. If you haven't already, please go check her out and all of these quotes featured in this blog post are hers. 

They always provoke thought and make me think a little bit harder or have the extra bit of motivation that I wouldn't have had before. And look how colourful they are, that is enough to make my day alone! I love waking up in the morning and refreshing my feed to see one, the best way to start your day. 

I hope these somewhat inspire you in these, again, uncertain times. The ones I have picked mean so much to me so that's why I wanted them all curated here in one place. Feel free to come back or save any of them for yourself. 

Sending lots of love to you all! 

What is your favourite quote?

Bethan xx

Green Flares

Black flares

Pink check coat

Adidas Gazelle trainers

What are your key pieces for Autumn?

Bethan xx