READ THIS IF APPLYING FOR 2021/CAN OFFER US ADVICE
hi, i applied for a place in woodhouse college in finchely for the next school year, and i wanted to create a place where current year 11s could chat and discuss what it will be like and give each other advice/ support, and students already there can also give us advice, or answer FAQs. ill be leaving loads of things you may be wondering down below from my weirdly extensive research which MAY not be 100% correct. iv'e found these from reading other TSR discussions and going on the school website/talking to friends. i really want to get in and i know so many other people who feel the same, so this might ease the pressure and let you know more about the place since we didn't get to visit firsthand
-school uniform is casual and you wont be judged much for what you choose to wear
-STEM subjects seem to be the most popular options and the courses tend to fill up the fastest e.g maths, science, psychology, economics and english lit and history are the most popular humanities
-class time varies from 1 hour to 1.5 hours per lesson, and there are doubles
-the year group is about 600 strong, and students are split into 2 cohorts for assemblies
-most classes are regular sized, their largest class has been about 24 people
-teachers are supportive but you still need to make an effort to ask for help if you need it
-people are generally really nice and not snobby or stuck up
-you will make friends, for some it may take time, but joining a club and being friendly will help you meet lots of new people
-your form will contain people who take similar courses to you
-not everyone there has an einstein like brain (which is a great thing, we can always learn new things from each other that way) so don't feel pressured to always be the smartest in the room, there are still varying abilities and that's a good thing so long as you know what you want
-you do have a chance of getting in even if you miss a few requirements, so don't feel discouraged too soon. quite a few people reject the offers they receive which leaves space for waiting list applicants, so being on the waiting list is not as horrible as you may think
-if you apply on the day we get our results (however that's going to be) you still do have a chance of getting in, though i think november-january applicants are favoured
-you may not always have to arrive at school at the same time every day and you may get to leave earlier than 4:15pm, when the school day typically ends
-there are a lot of classes and people e.g there are 17 chemistry classes in year 12 currently. for some that might be great, for others that might be scary. but everyone gets used to it after a while
-the school library is a great way to study and learn
-you'll get free periods between lessons where you have the choice to go out and/or revise
-the campus is spacey and you wont feel crowded or claustrophobic around campus (hopefully)
-there are lots of extra curricular activities which will make the school experience very enjoyable and are great for personal statements, and a football club (most likely other sports too). so far no netball club, but its quite easy to form your own club at woodhouse and you can meet new people
-when you submited your application will not make an impact on your offer so long as it was within the times specified on the website e.g nov 5th- jan 15th, and results day.
-if you are having really serious home issues or feel like you are being put at a severe disadvantage because of things you cant control, then email or get in touch with the school whilst they are processing your application, they may be able to offer support to you and hopefully even make sure you are given a fair chance at getting in
-there are dance studios, halls and so may other facilities on campus- if you look at the lettings section of the website, you can see pictures and more of the canteen, fields, classrooms if your'e interested!
-on their youtube channel woodhouse are (slowly) posting videos about each subject and have covered most of the more popular subjects so watch them if you've chosen any of the courses
anyone who is currently or recently at woodhouse please give any advice you have down below for us, it is greatly appreciated, and anyone who has chosen eng lit, politics or economics please let me know so we can discuss it too!!