(because, even though it’s December, better late than never)
Us sixth formers, we’re no spring chickens. As we grow old and grey into the world of A-Levels and retired Zip cards, it's time we reflect on simpler times. Better times. Today, we look into the world of this school’s newest members, just a few months into their Godolphin careers.
On a grand tour around the bottom corridor during an unsuspecting lunchtime, we had the chance to step into tiny Year 7 sized shoes and catch a glimpse of life as a Year 7.
CLASS 1:
Starting off strong, to say the least: upon entering, we were met with an in-action spa session for one (involving a sheet face mask proudly paraded around the form room and a- politely declined- offer to join). Another highlight was our introduction to ‘acrylic’ nails with a twist… barcodes as stick-on nails! Haven’t you heard? It's the freshest trend in town and we were lucky enough to meet its pioneers. Two words: star struck. Stay jealous!
After introducing ourselves, we appreciated one keen student’s enthusiasm to get involved:
“Am I going to be in Unpublished?!” *squeal* “I’m famous!”
And this marked the commencement of the formal interview (though it turned out to be quite the opposite of formal).
We approached the class and begged the question, “What would you ask sixth formers if you could ask them anything?” To this, we received a number of fascinating responses:
“Do you steal our snacks?” Puzzling, accusatory, yet to-the-point.
“Do sixth formers hate Year 7s?” followed quickly by the disclaimer “Probably. I don’t blame them.”
“Do you think we’re hectic and annoying?” A rephrasing of the previous question, with slightly more specific adjectives.
“Have you guys sent the Year 7s to the roof?” Confused by this initial wording, we came to realise that ‘the roof’ translates as ‘the common room’ in Year 7 speak.
And last but certainly not least: “Why are you still here?” This was a query directed at us after explaining that we get to go home early on a Wednesday. To this we responded simply “Because it’s not Wednesday.” We thought this was a valid point.
Upset to depart from this glorious group, we were left with one final quote that didn’t make any more sense in context than it does out of context: “I love being six foot.” Coming from a student who was certainly not six foot, we were left with a hint of mystery as we continued along our travels:
CLASS 2:
This form was a calmer, more productive bunch. Some sensibly did their homework while others quietly played on their iPads. When we made our pitch to them as Unpublished representatives searching for willing Year 7s to answer interview questions, the only response was a quiet hum of crickets. Upon begging for enthusiasm, we received a few forced ‘yays’ and sarcastic ‘woos’ which, honestly, hurt more than the silence. After a moment of intense and cryptic giggling from a few students, we thought this sudden burst of energy may encourage participation. But, alas, it was not and we were on our way:
CLASS 3:
What. A. Form.
Upon opening the door, Ariana Grande’s voice consumed the room from an iPad blasting full volume in the corner.
“Ariana slays.”
Heads turned towards us:
“OMG! IT’S YOU!” Oh no.
A series of squeals and screams ensued until they finally started asking questions.
“Did you get your letters back?” We gave a confused look, then realised they were asking about the letters to our future selves we had written in lower school. Upon this hesitation, they went ballistic: “WE DON’T GET THEM BACK? LIAR! SHE LIED TO US!”
This was followed by a brief intermission, a song break. Some Ariana and some highlighter drawings. Pure. Magic.
Then, someone whipped out a magician hat from the corner of the room. It was cool at first but then, as we tried the hat on, our geriatric sixth form 'uncoolness' was enough to warrant a judgmental “okay…”.
And then, out of nowhere, came the 1980’s electronic dance pop riff nobody wants to hear or should ever have to:
“You just got Rick Rolled!” Help.
“At our school disco we got Rick Rolled!”
And, our personal fav: “I Rick Rolled the entirety of Chiswick.” Said with such casualness. How does that even happen?
On the topic of school discos, the Year 7s were intrigued by our life at their age. We told them about our experience at the St Paul’s and Godolphin Year 7 and 8 Disco, which called for a number of opinions on SPS sixth formers. The consensus was: “Ewwwwww! They’re so fugly! It’s like a factory making musty boys.”
And Eton boys? “They’re so weird!”
Our final suggestion: how about a Harrow boyfriend? “Very disappointing.” But at least they filmed part of Harry Potter there.
We drew their attention back to our initiative: “How do you guys feel about being in Unpublished?”
“WE’RE GONNA BE IN UNPUBLISHED?! Amazing.”
“Can we show them our Christmas dance?”
“We’re the best class. We’ll take food.”
“If we get in trouble for this we’ll find out where you live.”
In the end, we made lasting friendships that afternoon:
“We’ll email you to say hi. We’ll look for you.” And, indeed, they did.
CLASS 4:
To end our grand tour, we visited the fourth and final Year 7 form room on the bottom corridor. Calling all sixth formers to answer their pressing questions:
“Will you buy sweets every day for us? Or at least every week? Because we’re new and settling in…” paired with some puppy dog eyes. What an act!
To say the least, this trip was certainly a formative experience. One of personal growth. We broadened our horizons and reflected on life as a Year 7. Wow. What a journey it has been.
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