I'm applying for Hills as well, from what I've heard from sibling's friends is that it's intense in terms of study but a good atmosphere. What subjects are you applying for? (I've submitted for history, art, english lit and politics but swapping english lit/politics for maths/FM)
Original post by A9806432
Anyone who goes or went to Hills Road Sixth Form College in Cambridge what did you think? I need any opinions so don’t hold back
I joined Hills Road in September this year!
For me personally, I find it amazing and everyone is incredibly nice. I've picked bio, chem and maths.The teachers for my subjects are incredibly supportive, there are lunchtime clubs/'surgeries' for chem and bio where you can ask for any help you want, and a gap year student who is available every morning for any maths help. There are also many study places to go to around college.
I know that there is a significantly high amount of workload, but that's just A-Levels in general for ya. There will be times when it's hard, but there will be friends and teachers to support you every step of the way(as long as you ask for help, you WILL get help!). If you are worried about anything including studies, things happening at home, you can talk to your form tutor, safeguarding officers or take the college dog for a walk(his names Hugo - he's adorable!).
There are also many opportunities to wind down and blow your steam off - sports teams, societies(e.g.kpop, casino(cards, etc.), Japanese, Spanish, etc.).
For me personally, class sizes are around 20, which is nice because there are enough people to make lit gcs and not too many that a teacher doesn't have time to help you.
However, if you truly can't deal with any sort of stress in general, I'd suggest you go to Oakes(formerly known as Netherhall), where the class sizes are incredibly tiny, and it apparently has a secondary school atmosphere. If you are not willing to work hard, then do yourself a favour and don't go to Hills.
In my opinion, if you get good GCSE grades and you are willing to work hard, go for Hills. Long doesn't seem like a bad college either, however according to my Long Road friends, they don't get nearly as much homework, and they don't get pushed enough by their teachers.
Tbh, Hills Road isn't for everyone, and some highly intelligent people I know go to Long Road or Oakes just because it suits them better, NOT because they are supposedly 'not good enough' or 'dumb'.
Also, don't go to a certain college based on where your secondary school friends go or bad rumors you hear. I have a couple friends who chose not to go to Hills because of their secondary friends or they were scared of the workload/pressure and regret it immensly. It's true that there is pressure put on us students, but for me personally I put more pressure on myself than the teachers do. Also, you will get used to it.
Please be prepared to do more work outside of class, and finish off your classwork. Do your homework during your frees in the weekdays(not all of them - you still need time to relax!) and look back on previous classwork at the weekends. It's much easier in chemistry if you read ahead.
Also, don't choose subjects your paretns/carers want you to take - pick the ones you enjoy. College is so much easier when you enjoy the subjects you are doing/learning about. I have a couple friends who only took maths because their parents wanted them to do it and they are somewhat smart, but they don't feel motivated to work in class so they are strugling a lot.
Hope your GCSEs go well...best of luck!
i finished hills last year,,everyone's lovely there but i had no motivation to work and the teachers dont care if you do your work or not so i fell behind massively. i'm retaking my U6 at CCSS this year.If you can motivate yourself you can have a nice experience, but if you can't i'd suggest going elsewhere.(Plus any help like counselling/talking to someone, in general, is **** there)
Just finished my time at Hills - great two years and even though I'm far from a sociable person I made some great friends there (just from my classes) People who I'd never have imagined talking to turned out to be the ones I became closest with. I wouldn't say Hills is the most supportive place but it is what you make of it; if you're willing to work you'll do absolutely fine and friends can be made along the way.
Original post by A9806432
Hi thanks for all the replies. I’ve decided to accept my offer at Hills Rd. I’m still a bit nervous as I’m not going to know anyone there however on the whole I’m feeling good about my decision. This thread has been really helpful.
No worries, I hope you settle in well when lockdown is over! Any questions about Hills, feel free to pm me
Hills Road college is the worst school/college that I have ever attended. I consider going to this place the biggest mistake I ever made.
Hills Road failed me, and I failed Hills Road. But what they actually managed to do is legitimately impressive.
When I applied, I wanted to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. At GCSE, I got incredible grades, in fact I was one of the top-50 students across the UK with my grades.
First, chemistry. The two teachers I got were unmotivated, unprofessional, and there have been several outrageous moments of their interactions with me. Needless to say I lost my massive interest in chemistry because of Dr. Mould and one other individual, a case involving a predicted grade went all the way to the head of department after I was told that 'We cannot use your best grade in the calculation' despite using a grade in which I was forced to do a test in Chemistry surgery full of screaming teenagers, and the Covid arrangements were just woefully lacking.
Next, physics. Despite being in a better position and one of the teachers doing everything possible to help me progress, the Covid arrangements were terrible, lectures were very difficult to follow, and all that. I don't hate physics here as much as other subjects, but still am not impressed. Again, teacher motivation (except the wonderful Heather Peck's) was an issue.
Maths was interesting. One huge scandal in my first year involved one of my lecturers reprimanding me in front of the entire class and telling me I would never pass a Cambridge interview (I did pass in the end, lol). The lecturers for the second year were so awful I also lost motivation, finding it difficult to work when the lectuer was squealing from her own jokes rather than conveying the material.
My EPQ was a disappointment. What is especially upsetting is I got an A, despite actual academics on the subject endorsing my project and saying it was great. As was my tutor, who implicitly also conveyed her belief that I was not the best at the subject, I would not get into Cambridge (this she said to my face), and all of that. In this environment, I got actual depression.
When the grades came out, I was advised not to resit despite getting terrible grades. I was told that the grades I got were lenient and was once again reminded they were put by very experienced teachers. I spat on that advice, charged up, and...got into Warwick university.
Motivation is what Hills caused me to lose. It made me lose my mental health, I got depressed and lost motivation, and had repeated nervous breakdowns. The first grades I got were ABBC, which I then corrected to AAAB in another institution.
By contrast, at Warwick university, I am happy, enthusiastic, and excelling on my Physics degree, where I am throwing 1sts left and right like sand and just had an exam in January which I got a very high 1st in.
Hills road is pathetic.
Hills Road failed me, and I failed Hills Road. But what they actually managed to do is legitimately impressive.
When I applied, I wanted to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. At GCSE, I got incredible grades, in fact I was one of the top-50 students across the UK with my grades.
First, chemistry. The two teachers I got were unmotivated, unprofessional, and there have been several outrageous moments of their interactions with me. Needless to say I lost my massive interest in chemistry because of Dr. Mould and one other individual, a case involving a predicted grade went all the way to the head of department after I was told that 'We cannot use your best grade in the calculation' despite using a grade in which I was forced to do a test in Chemistry surgery full of screaming teenagers, and the Covid arrangements were just woefully lacking.
Next, physics. Despite being in a better position and one of the teachers doing everything possible to help me progress, the Covid arrangements were terrible, lectures were very difficult to follow, and all that. I don't hate physics here as much as other subjects, but still am not impressed. Again, teacher motivation (except the wonderful Heather Peck's) was an issue.
Maths was interesting. One huge scandal in my first year involved one of my lecturers reprimanding me in front of the entire class and telling me I would never pass a Cambridge interview (I did pass in the end, lol). The lecturers for the second year were so awful I also lost motivation, finding it difficult to work when the lectuer was squealing from her own jokes rather than conveying the material.
My EPQ was a disappointment. What is especially upsetting is I got an A, despite actual academics on the subject endorsing my project and saying it was great. As was my tutor, who implicitly also conveyed her belief that I was not the best at the subject, I would not get into Cambridge (this she said to my face), and all of that. In this environment, I got actual depression.
When the grades came out, I was advised not to resit despite getting terrible grades. I was told that the grades I got were lenient and was once again reminded they were put by very experienced teachers. I spat on that advice, charged up, and...got into Warwick university.
Motivation is what Hills caused me to lose. It made me lose my mental health, I got depressed and lost motivation, and had repeated nervous breakdowns. The first grades I got were ABBC, which I then corrected to AAAB in another institution.
By contrast, at Warwick university, I am happy, enthusiastic, and excelling on my Physics degree, where I am throwing 1sts left and right like sand and just had an exam in January which I got a very high 1st in.
Hills road is pathetic.
Original post by JM1998345
Hills Road college is the worst school/college that I have ever attended. I consider going to this place the biggest mistake I ever made.
Hills Road failed me, and I failed Hills Road. But what they actually managed to do is legitimately impressive.
When I applied, I wanted to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. At GCSE, I got incredible grades, in fact I was one of the top-50 students across the UK with my grades.
First, chemistry. The two teachers I got were unmotivated, unprofessional, and there have been several outrageous moments of their interactions with me. Needless to say I lost my massive interest in chemistry because of Dr. Mould and one other individual, a case involving a predicted grade went all the way to the head of department after I was told that 'We cannot use your best grade in the calculation' despite using a grade in which I was forced to do a test in Chemistry surgery full of screaming teenagers, and the Covid arrangements were just woefully lacking.
Next, physics. Despite being in a better position and one of the teachers doing everything possible to help me progress, the Covid arrangements were terrible, lectures were very difficult to follow, and all that. I don't hate physics here as much as other subjects, but still am not impressed. Again, teacher motivation (except the wonderful Heather Peck's) was an issue.
Maths was interesting. You had really good lecturers, such as Leslie and Ahras, with really bad ones like Chalk. One huge scandal in my first year involved one of my lecturers reprimanding me in front of the entire class and telling me I would never pass a Cambridge interview (I did pass in the end, lol). The lecturers for the second year were so awful I also lost motivation, finding it difficult to work when the lectuer was squealing from her own jokes rather than conveying the material.
My EPQ was a disappointment. What is especially upsetting is I got an A, despite actual academics on the subject endorsing my project and saying it was great. As was my tutor, who implicitly also conveyed her belief that I was not the best at the subject, I would not get into Cambridge (this she said to my face), and all of that. In this environment, I got actual depression.
When the grades came out, I was advised not to resit despite getting terrible grades. I was told that the grades I got were lenient and was once again reminded they were put by very experienced teachers. I spat on that advice, charged up, and...got into Warwick university.
Motivation is what Hills caused me to lose. It made me lose my mental health, I got depressed and lost motivation, and had repeated nervous breakdowns. The first grades I got were ABBC, which I then corrected to AAAB in another institution.
By contrast, at Warwick university, I am happy, enthusiastic, and excelling on my Physics degree, where I am throwing 1sts left and right like sand and just had an exam in January which I got a very high 1st in.
Hills road is pathetic.
Hills Road failed me, and I failed Hills Road. But what they actually managed to do is legitimately impressive.
When I applied, I wanted to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. At GCSE, I got incredible grades, in fact I was one of the top-50 students across the UK with my grades.
First, chemistry. The two teachers I got were unmotivated, unprofessional, and there have been several outrageous moments of their interactions with me. Needless to say I lost my massive interest in chemistry because of Dr. Mould and one other individual, a case involving a predicted grade went all the way to the head of department after I was told that 'We cannot use your best grade in the calculation' despite using a grade in which I was forced to do a test in Chemistry surgery full of screaming teenagers, and the Covid arrangements were just woefully lacking.
Next, physics. Despite being in a better position and one of the teachers doing everything possible to help me progress, the Covid arrangements were terrible, lectures were very difficult to follow, and all that. I don't hate physics here as much as other subjects, but still am not impressed. Again, teacher motivation (except the wonderful Heather Peck's) was an issue.
Maths was interesting. You had really good lecturers, such as Leslie and Ahras, with really bad ones like Chalk. One huge scandal in my first year involved one of my lecturers reprimanding me in front of the entire class and telling me I would never pass a Cambridge interview (I did pass in the end, lol). The lecturers for the second year were so awful I also lost motivation, finding it difficult to work when the lectuer was squealing from her own jokes rather than conveying the material.
My EPQ was a disappointment. What is especially upsetting is I got an A, despite actual academics on the subject endorsing my project and saying it was great. As was my tutor, who implicitly also conveyed her belief that I was not the best at the subject, I would not get into Cambridge (this she said to my face), and all of that. In this environment, I got actual depression.
When the grades came out, I was advised not to resit despite getting terrible grades. I was told that the grades I got were lenient and was once again reminded they were put by very experienced teachers. I spat on that advice, charged up, and...got into Warwick university.
Motivation is what Hills caused me to lose. It made me lose my mental health, I got depressed and lost motivation, and had repeated nervous breakdowns. The first grades I got were ABBC, which I then corrected to AAAB in another institution.
By contrast, at Warwick university, I am happy, enthusiastic, and excelling on my Physics degree, where I am throwing 1sts left and right like sand and just had an exam in January which I got a very high 1st in.
Hills road is pathetic.
Where did you do re sits?
Original post by Millsey
Where did you do re sits?
At St. Andrews College. The above criticism of Hills Road also came from a student who did in fact get a first-class grade for the first year of physics at Warwick (described as a 'very good first')
Original post by A9806432
Hi thanks for all the replies. I’ve decided to accept my offer at Hills Rd. I’m still a bit nervous as I’m not going to know anyone there however on the whole I’m feeling good about my decision. This thread has been really helpful.
What predicted grades did you have that made them give you an offer because I'm in the process of applying now and I'm worried if I'm going to get an offer or not
Is it true that some Hillsroad pupils are under the influence of drugs/chemicals? I'm a bit afraid to go there now as multiple friends who go to Hillsroad this year told me that Hillsroad is a horrible school due to the misuse of drugs.
Original post by jelllyfiiish
Is it true that some Hillsroad pupils are under the influence of drugs/chemicals? I'm a bit afraid to go there now as multiple friends who go to Hillsroad this year told me that Hillsroad is a horrible school due to the misuse of drugs.
Original post by JM1998345
Hills Road college is the worst school/college that I have ever attended. I consider going to this place the biggest mistake I ever made.
Hills Road failed me, and I failed Hills Road. But what they actually managed to do is legitimately impressive.
When I applied, I wanted to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. At GCSE, I got incredible grades, in fact I was one of the top-50 students across the UK with my grades.
First, chemistry. The two teachers I got were unmotivated, unprofessional, and there have been several outrageous moments of their interactions with me. Needless to say I lost my massive interest in chemistry because of Dr. Mould and one other individual, a case involving a predicted grade went all the way to the head of department after I was told that 'We cannot use your best grade in the calculation' despite using a grade in which I was forced to do a test in Chemistry surgery full of screaming teenagers, and the Covid arrangements were just woefully lacking.
Next, physics. Despite being in a better position and one of the teachers doing everything possible to help me progress, the Covid arrangements were terrible, lectures were very difficult to follow, and all that. I don't hate physics here as much as other subjects, but still am not impressed. Again, teacher motivation (except the wonderful Heather Peck's) was an issue.
Maths was interesting. One huge scandal in my first year involved one of my lecturers reprimanding me in front of the entire class and telling me I would never pass a Cambridge interview (I did pass in the end, lol). The lecturers for the second year were so awful I also lost motivation, finding it difficult to work when the lectuer was squealing from her own jokes rather than conveying the material.
My EPQ was a disappointment. What is especially upsetting is I got an A, despite actual academics on the subject endorsing my project and saying it was great. As was my tutor, who implicitly also conveyed her belief that I was not the best at the subject, I would not get into Cambridge (this she said to my face), and all of that. In this environment, I got actual depression.
When the grades came out, I was advised not to resit despite getting terrible grades. I was told that the grades I got were lenient and was once again reminded they were put by very experienced teachers. I spat on that advice, charged up, and...got into Warwick university.
Motivation is what Hills caused me to lose. It made me lose my mental health, I got depressed and lost motivation, and had repeated nervous breakdowns. The first grades I got were ABBC, which I then corrected to AAAB in another institution.
By contrast, at Warwick university, I am happy, enthusiastic, and excelling on my Physics degree, where I am throwing 1sts left and right like sand and just had an exam in January which I got a very high 1st in.
Hills road is pathetic.
Hills Road failed me, and I failed Hills Road. But what they actually managed to do is legitimately impressive.
When I applied, I wanted to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry. At GCSE, I got incredible grades, in fact I was one of the top-50 students across the UK with my grades.
First, chemistry. The two teachers I got were unmotivated, unprofessional, and there have been several outrageous moments of their interactions with me. Needless to say I lost my massive interest in chemistry because of Dr. Mould and one other individual, a case involving a predicted grade went all the way to the head of department after I was told that 'We cannot use your best grade in the calculation' despite using a grade in which I was forced to do a test in Chemistry surgery full of screaming teenagers, and the Covid arrangements were just woefully lacking.
Next, physics. Despite being in a better position and one of the teachers doing everything possible to help me progress, the Covid arrangements were terrible, lectures were very difficult to follow, and all that. I don't hate physics here as much as other subjects, but still am not impressed. Again, teacher motivation (except the wonderful Heather Peck's) was an issue.
Maths was interesting. One huge scandal in my first year involved one of my lecturers reprimanding me in front of the entire class and telling me I would never pass a Cambridge interview (I did pass in the end, lol). The lecturers for the second year were so awful I also lost motivation, finding it difficult to work when the lectuer was squealing from her own jokes rather than conveying the material.
My EPQ was a disappointment. What is especially upsetting is I got an A, despite actual academics on the subject endorsing my project and saying it was great. As was my tutor, who implicitly also conveyed her belief that I was not the best at the subject, I would not get into Cambridge (this she said to my face), and all of that. In this environment, I got actual depression.
When the grades came out, I was advised not to resit despite getting terrible grades. I was told that the grades I got were lenient and was once again reminded they were put by very experienced teachers. I spat on that advice, charged up, and...got into Warwick university.
Motivation is what Hills caused me to lose. It made me lose my mental health, I got depressed and lost motivation, and had repeated nervous breakdowns. The first grades I got were ABBC, which I then corrected to AAAB in another institution.
By contrast, at Warwick university, I am happy, enthusiastic, and excelling on my Physics degree, where I am throwing 1sts left and right like sand and just had an exam in January which I got a very high 1st in.
Hills road is pathetic.
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