Testimonies – 2019 Session

We go through life wishing we could turn back the hands of the clock and correct some mistakes we have made in the past. Coming to the The 16 Plus School is not one of the things I would change. I recall thinking their motto, “Bringing out the best in ME”, was an arrogant claim, but they proved me wrong.

The 16 Plus was, in many ways, different from the secondary school I had attended previously. The most significant difference for me was how small the school was. I felt the family vibe they had going on, where everyone knew everyone else and there was no way you could avoid, hide or run away from anything or anyone.

There was never a dull moment in the 16 Plus; I know that many staff members and students will agree with me on this one. The school year was filled with more than enough dramatic events to last me a lifetime, ranging from sheer comical displays that usually leave me without breath, to days where something sad or terrible happened and left everyone heavyhearted. It really was a year full of roller-coaster emotions.

Looking back, if I were to single out the most drastic change that I have observed in myself and in those that resumed with me this school year as a matter of fact, it would be that we all became maturer. Secondary school was a controlled environment and you never really had to determine much for yourself. But here in the 16 Plus, though the freedom was not as much as I had hoped for, still there was enough of it.

The final and most important lesson I think I have taken from the 16 Plus is that maturity is synonymous to self-control. As the school year went on, I realised that many of the problems we encountered arose from students’ immaturity. I leave the 16 Plus, having not only learnt more math and physics, but with more willpower to take charge of my life. I sincerely feel that the best was brought out in me.

The time I spent within the four walls of The 16 Plus School has certainly been worthwhile; it’s been an experience, to say the least. The first time that I entered the school compound, I had no idea what to expect from anything or anyone. A young, innocent boy, fresh from secondary school, I was essentially going in blind. I had no idea of how the next phase of my life should look like.

My experiences in the past few months have become some of the most important highlights of my formative years. I have truly learnt a lot. The blend of rigorous classes to prepare for exams and the numerous trainings, workshops and talks on various topics proved itself to be a forward-thinking and zeitgeisty move on the part of the school management. 

This programme has proven to be the most academically challenging task I have undertaken in my life. In fact, the rigour is not for the faint-hearted. But thanks to the warm environment, in addition to the patient and thorough guidance of my teachers, the support of other staff members and the camaraderie among the students, I was able to persevere up to this point.

In the end, I find I’ve grown quite fond of this place and the people that I’ve encountered here.

Spending nine months in The 16 Plus School has taught me a lot. I had been to the school for summer lessons for my IGCSE and SAT before but I had no idea what to expect as a regular student.

It has been a wild ride since the day I came into this school on the 16^th of September, 2018. The first term was hectic as I had to write various external examinations in addition to the regular biweekly school tests and exams. The second semester was more serious; the examinations were fast approaching and additional measures like extra classes were taken to ensure a completion of the syllabus and some ample time for revision. 

The learning process has been so exciting and challenging at the same time. The school is a small community where there is a good relationship between teachers and students and this created great learning atmospheres during classes. I have grown academically and learnt to endure more challenges thrown my way.

I never forget the first day I came to this school. I was clueless about anything and everything, being new to the IGCSE curriculum. My mum and I received a warm welcome and were patiently put through the admission process. Two days later, I was in the year 10 class.

Now I am in year 11, with only about two months to go; I can only look back at the past months with a grateful feeling. The one thing I can strongly testify of is the academics. The 16 Plus School is devoted to making sure the students scale new heights, result-wise. The staff, both teaching and non-teaching, commit themselves to ensuring the students understand every little thing without missing a step.

My journey with The 16 Plus School is about to come to an end but one thing I know is that I will always give it to the school as one that moulded me and brought me to where I am now. This experience is something I will never forget.

It’s not been up to six months since I walked through the doors of The 16 Plus School but my academic development within the short period has been exceptional.

I came into The 16 Plus School with a mediocre WASSCE result, low self-esteem but with a whole lot of hope and desire to be better, and with the help of my erudite teachers and hospitable peers, I’ve been able to settle in quickly and begun the journey of bringing out the best in myself. While my stay hasn’t exactly been a bed of roses (trust me, it’s been tough), the results have been justifiable. Additionally, through the regular enlightenment and empowerment programs the school organises, I’ve been able to pick up a few life skills which have helped ease the bumps along the way.

I’m currently in the process of resitting my WASSCE and I have developed so much confidence in my ability. I’m proud to say that I’ll be graduating from the 16 Plus School this year but the best part is that I’ll not just leave with a better WASSCE result but also with the right mindset to tackle the challenges that life after 16 Plus School has to offer.

I have had quite a worthwhile experience during my stay at The 16 Plus School. Although my stay at the school has not been a walk in the park, it has taught me a lot of things such as confidence and tolerance; now I know how to live peaceably and work with fellow students.

Again, I can boldly state that I’ve received great insight into the outside world and how to cope with the challenges that come with it. Amidst all the things I have learnt from my stay at The 16 Plus School, independence stands out. The school has taught me how to make decisions for myself and enjoy the benefits –or bear the consequences.

Without doubts, The 16 Plus School has, in accordance with its motto, really brought out the best in me, in character and learning. This was made possible with the love, support, and dedication of the teachers to ensure that students perform excellently well in examinations. The teachers always encourage and help students who are not doing so well.

Furthermore, the fortnightly organized tests by the school has really helped me to become very serious in keeping up with my school work. It has also helped me cultivate a good reading habit that would enable me survive in the university.

Finally, there are a lot of good values that the school has instilled in me, which makes me feel prepared to face the challenges the outside world has in stock for me. I really do hope I am able to apply these lessons in my future endeavours.