Dear P7 pupil You have probably just finished the last ever 11+ paper that the government will ever make. You are now trying to choose the right school for you. Going to Sullivan Upper School has been my best choice in my life so far. I bet that no other school has got their own river! The reason I chose Sullivan was because on the open day the staff and pupils were really kind and generous. Don’t worry about getting lost because I did on my first day and some older pupils told me where to go. You soon find your own way around the school after a few days. In Sullivan the best thing about the school is getting to move about lessons to stretch your legs. There are different subjects that you probably did not do at your primary school such as Technology, French and of course the strangest of them all, Home Economics! In Home Economics we got to make pizza (my favourite). It’s funny because my mum would never let me anywhere near the oven! In science we do lots of experiments, which are sometimes really interesting, especially when we manage not to put the school on fire. There are also after school clubs like hockey, badminton, fencing, cookery and if you prefer music there is a jazz band, orchestra and of course choir. Then there’s rugby (my sport) where you find that you have hardly arrived and you’re already playing International clashes, well that’s what it seems like playing MCB or Campbell College. Of course you do have to do work, but it really is not as bad as you think it is. If you get really stuck you can get help from a mentor or teacher. Joining a new school seems very overwhelming but you will get used to it very easily. I hope to see you next year. Yours Dillon Gilbert
8J
Dear P7 pupil I would like to give you a little insight into what Sullivan’s really like. I was in your place this time last year, having just done the 11+ and nervously waiting for the results. After going to a lot of open days I decided to put Sullivan down first and I certainly have had no regrets since. I think it’s a great school and here are just some reasons why. I enjoy a lot of sports and it is really good as Sullivan provides a large range of sports – some of which a lot of you probably had a go at, at your primary school, like hockey, netball or rugby. If you are keen to try something new there are many to choose from like badminton, cricket, tennis, or even fencing or show-jumping. There are a number of extra curricular clubs you could join in fact there are loads! You could join the languages club, history, cookery, chess, the politics society or the philosophical society – (whatever that is!) Also if you are musical there is something for everyone. There is band, orchestra, brass group, guitar group, traditional group, junior traditional group and different choirs. I have joined band and it’s great fun. There are lots of different ways in which we can support our school. One of these is by supporting your house. Everybody is put into a house when they start Sullivan, either Speers, Grant, McAlester or Praeger. I’m in Speers. You can take part in house sports, house music or choir and various other house activities. It’s great fun! Of course it’s not all just fun and games, it is school and you do need to work. You will get to study many new subjects (14 in total). Some interesting new subjects are Art, French, RE, Technology, Learning for Life, Pastoral, IT and music. Don’t worry about the teachers, they’re all lovely….except the ones that aren’t….but there aren’t any of those! I’m sure you will all be worried about starting a new school. I certainly know I was. Like me, you will be fine. All my fears about getting lost, the school is so big compared to many primary schools; lots of older children, you are going from being the oldest in the school to being the youngest; exams, we’ve had Christmas exams; remembering things like subject books, locker keys, uniform cards, timetables and rules, soon went away. Yes it is hard work, yes the bag is heavy, yes there are detentions but remember all year 8s – known as firsties, are feeling the same and there is always someone around to help out. You will have a whole range of teachers, so you don’t get bored with the same one all the time. Also if they get cross you will be away in about half an hour! Sullivan is very lucky to have the lovely river Twisel running through it’s grounds, a good school building and a big new drama theatre. I also think the uniform is much nicer than many other schools. Oops! I almost forgot the Silver Robin. It’s the school canteen and it’s great! You get a smart card, it’s like a credit card which you top up at a special machine. You give it to the nice friendly dinner ladies and they provide lots of tasty food and drinks. I hope I have helped you feel more confident about making your decision about which school is right for you. I’d love to see you here next year. Alex Gilmore
8C
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