Testimonies – 2024

Testimonies – 2024 Session

A-LEVELS | Progression: Computer Science, Howard University (100% Scholarship)

My experience in the incredible 16 Plus school lasted only a year but it will go down as a year in my life impossible to forget. Not only was my experience a great stepping stone from the high school mentality to the college mentality but I also gained more understanding and knowledge on how to stand my ground in the real world.

The teachers played a huge role in making my academic journey at 16 plus a success. One thing that really surprised me when I came into 16 plus was the quality of teachers in the school. I think I can proudly say that these are the best set of tutors I’ve ever had in any academic environment I’ve been in. They were very knowledgeable and fun, kind-hearted and supportive individuals who never minded going above and beyond to help us reach our goals.

Now however, the curriculum at the school was really intense and vigorous along with the numerous C. Tests and assignments we were given but I’m glad it was that way because I was able to leave my comfort zone and push my boundaries in a way I had never done before in my academic life.

Another thing that made 16 plus great for me was the sense of family and community that was instilled in the school. I’m thankful for all the seminars, group talks, and community services that we carried out. I learned many life lessons that will shape who I become and how I navigate the world.

To wrap things up, I would like to say I’m grateful for the people I met and the friends I made along the way and I feel truly fortunate to have been part of a college that not only values my academic success but also prioritizes my personal growth and well-being.

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OSSD | PROGRESSION: MECHATRONICS ENGINEERING, SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY

My 8 months long stay at 16 Plus was an experience that improved all aspects of my being.                           

Whether spiritually, morally, or academically, the dedicated staff at 16 Plus left no stone unturned in their bid to give back to their students, and they did. I enrolled in the OSSD program, and came prepared to struggle as I learned how to navigate the intricacies of an international curriculum; fortunately, the teachers at 16 Plus were immensely dedicated to ensuring I and the rest of my peers performed the best we could.

With their constant care and attention, I was able to finish my program with scores that gained me admission into my choice schools, avoid complications when applying for my student visa, partake in character-building activities like our frequent community service trips, and gain an invaluable support system of friends and mentors that will follow me into the next phase of my life.

Though my stay was a brief one, the lessons I gained during that time will no doubt prove indispensable as I move forward. I will be grateful to the staff, students, and management of The 16 Plus School.

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WASSCE | Progression: Law, Middlesex University Mauritius

My experience at the 16 Plus School has been very memorable and commendable. My nine months there were a mix of good and bad moments, but it was all worth it in the end. Initially, the rigorous structure of the curriculum was very daunting and tiring, but eventually, I got used to it and it helped me a lot in preparation for my final exams.

The 16 Plus School is a great avenue for academic success and it pushes students to do their best. The teachers support the students and are always available to assist the students when they need it. The small classroom environment helps in developing a close teacher-student relationship, which improves the learning ability of the students.

Looking back, I can say that my time at the 16 Plus School had a significant influence on my academic and personal development. I have been able to better understand myself and now I understand various personalities better and how to deal with them in the real world.

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OSSD | Progression: Nursing, University Of Lethbridge

The 16 Plus sixth form school has shaped me in every aspect. It continuously brings out the best in me, just as its motto promises. This school has boosted my confidence and enhanced my communication skills.

Attending a sixth-form institution like The 16 Plus school has not only academically prepared me for university but has also strengthened me overall. It has paved the way and opened doors to numerous educational opportunities for me. The good relationship between the teachers and students at The 16 Plus school fosters a supportive and welcoming learning environment.

I highly recommend this school!

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OSSD | Progression: Mechatronics Engineering, Ontario Tech University.

Walking through the doors of The 16 Plus School, I was hesitant but eager for another challenge. This school has truly honed my aspirations, shaped me as a person, and given me the knowledge I need to achieve in life.

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OSSD | 16 Plus Retrospective

My name is Akinoluwa Fagbuyi and in the 2023/24 session I offered the OSSD course at the 16 Plus School, and I am glad I did.

The school puts a high value on the proper education of its students. Its teachers leave no stone unturned when going through a topic. Because of this, I was able to overcome my aversion towards subjects like Physics.

The school was an immense help in my university application. I got help in parts of the process I didn’t understand, plus was provided several means to boost my transcript, such as the Community Service. Thus, I bagged several admissions.

Beyond the realm of academics, I formed bonds that won’t soon be broken. The school provides several opportunities to socialize and work with other students, so I made a lot of friends. I was always supported and entertained by my colleagues, which made my stay at this school run even smoother.

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A-LEVELS | When I was 16

I remember my first day in 16 Plus. I was wearing my special hoodie with blue jeans, and I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Walking into my new class during a math lesson, I had that familiar pit feeling in my stomach that always accompanied new experiences. It was a feeling I strangely enjoyed. Initially, I was apprehensive when my parents suggested A levels, but I gradually embraced the idea. We considered a few schools, and although I’m not sure why my parents chose 16 Plus, I can’t imagine having gone anywhere else.

The first person I met was Mr. Akpan. He conducted my entrance examination and was welcoming enough. Coincidentally, on that same day, I met my first teacher, though he wasn’t part of the teaching staff at that time; He was taking an exam just like me.

Describing my experience at 16 Plus would require an entire encyclopedia because so much happened in such a short time. From the classroom to the bus, there was always laughter and camaraderie. Having never attended a Catholic school before, the prayers and recitations felt unusual at first, but over time, I learned to recite the words from the prayer book without even opening it.

As an A-level student, I had no free periods except the short and long break so most of our time was spent in class with my teacher and classmates. These hours were filled with laughter and joy alongside the pain and our scream for no more homework. I enjoyed my classes and I commend our teachers who went out of their way to make us enjoy our time spent within their walls.

My best moments were in the classroom. As an A-level student, I had no free periods except for short and long breaks, so most of our time was spent with our teachers and classmates. These hours were filled with joy, laughter, and the occasional groan over homework. Our teachers went out of their way to make us enjoy our time spent within their walls, and I truly appreciated their efforts.

However, my classmates thoroughly made up the experience for me. I met some of the funniest and smartest people I know. While students from other programs also played a part in my journey, they couldn’t relate to our unique experiences. They didn’t understand the night classes, both offline and online, or our Sunday Chemistry classes and probably thought us to be mad. They couldn’t comprehend the stress I went through, but my classmates did because we endured it together.

An active memory will be the period after my first test. For some reason we still don’t understand, 16 Plus posts our results on a notice board after every test or exam. I have never been so humbled in my life as when I saw my physics score. Fortunately for me, it was a similar story to most of us (most, excluding the alien Noble). Nothing brings you closer than failing physics together you know. However, we pushed on till the last day and I am so proud of us for that.

Despite the challenges, we persevered until the very end, and I am immensely proud of us for that. I learned a lot in the walls of 16 Plus, but the greatest lesson was how to ask for help. I usually don’t like asking for assistance for reasons I couldn’t explain. However, A levels were demanding so I found myself seeking guidance more than I was comfortable with. With people around to help I have found my journey easy and I am forever grateful.

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