Student Voice
Joining our school's student council will give you an opportunity to make the school a better place. It gives you a chance to take part in organising events, deliver assemblies and importantly to meet new and likeminded friends.
We asked some of the current student council members including our head and deputy head girls, some questions about the school
Kassidy T Year 11
Head Girl
What's it like at Rye Hills?
For me, at first it was a little bit scary because it's such a big school with a lot of people so it was easy to get confused. However, it's like that for everyone! There are so many lovely people who helped me and I know that anyone in the school now is the same and will offer you help no matter what. Rye Hills has helped my confidence and personality grow and I have made great friends throughout my time here.
What was the biggest difference between your primary and Rye Hills?
Definitely, the lessons. Lessons at primary school are a little different to those at Rye Hills but still equally as fun and before you know it, it becomes natural. We learn lessons that will help us in the world outside of school which we didn't do as much in primary so it's fun learning things that we can apply to our daily life.
What do you like most about Rye Hills?
I would say the opportunities that it gives us. We are taken on trips to really cool places that not only help with our education on certain subjects but are also just a fun thing to do with your friends. Also, when it comes to the lessons we have extended arts such as drama and music which a lot of schools no longer have, which means that we are given the ability to explore that side of the arts which is an amazing thing for us to be able to do.
Jasmine L
Year 11
Deputy Head Girl
What’s it like at Rye Hills?
Rye Hills is great! There are so many more things you are able to experience at Rye Hills other than just lessons. For example, doing school plays, having art and music lessons where you are able to be as creative as you want.
Not only that, but the teacher and students are so kind and caring. Having a PSO (Pastoral Support Officer) to talk to can make life at secondary so much easier because they are so helpful.
I wouldn’t want to be at any other school!
Samantha L
Year 11
Deputy Head Girl
What is it like at Rye Hills Academy?
It all seems very scary coming into a new school but when I joined in year 7, I remember loving Rye Hills straight away, I’d go home excited about the next day and meeting my new teachers and having new lessons. Going into year 7, I remember being scared that I wouldn’t make any new friends or I would be by myself in lessons, but you’d be surprised how quickly you make friends. Everyone is in the same position so don’t be scared to go up to someone and start a conversation. There will be people from lots of different primary schools who you haven’t met before who you will get used to seeing every day and before you know it, you will become friends. One of my best friends now I didn’t go to primary with and I met her because we sat next to each other in DT in year 7, and now we’re inseparable!
Secondary school is very different to primary school, but definitely in a good way. You get so many opportunities at Rye Hills to do so many fun lessons that you wouldn’t do in primary, like music and drama, which you will have twice every fortnight. There are also many extra-curricular activities to participate in like drama clubs (and annual shows, last year we did Mary Poppins), music clubs, sport clubs, the student council etc. There is something for everyone. I’ve only been a part of the student council for one year, and I regret not joining sooner, I really enjoy being a part of it and I encourage you to think about joining it too. There are meetings every Wednesday lunchtime where we discuss how we can improve the school. The biggest difference I think between primary and secondary school is that in secondary you are much more independent, which I remember being excited about when joining Rye Hills in year 7.
The teachers at Rye Hills are really friendly and helpful. I can assure you if you ever feel worried about anything at school there will be someone happy to help you whether this be your form tutor, your PSO, or just one of your teachers. I love this about Rye Hills, I know if there was ever anything I needed or was worried about anything, I would have a member of staff to talk to about it.
It is very scary coming into a new school, you may feel intimidated by the older ones, or scared you won’t make friends, but I can assure you that you will adapt to this change quickly and love Rye Hills. I look forward to seeing you in September!
Katie L
Year 9
What do you like most about Rye Hills?
What do I like most about Rye Hills? Hmm. One thing I like is the atmosphere when everyone is laughing together. I also like the opportunities you have like The Arts Award, acting in the show put on by the drama department, all the clubs and of course being in student council.
We are lucky to have all of these opportunities because some schools don't have them at all. I think what I like the most is probably the Art Music and Drama departments. They are just such fun and creative departments. You have so much you can do with the skills they teach you!
Ryan B
Year 8
What's it like at Rye Hills?
Rye Hills is great. All of your teachers help if you need it, if you are worried people will help you get through and Rye Hills suits every type of personality. The teachers run lots of clubs for you to go to and there is something for everyone.
What was the biggest difference between your primary and Rye Hills?
I think the biggest difference between Rye Hills and my primary school is that you have to move around to go to all your classes. In primary we rarely ever swapped classes but in Rye Hills you swap classes for every lesson which is really cool because each classroom is set up for a different subject.
What do you like the most about Rye Hills?
The thing I like the most is that for every lesson your teacher is a specialist and they know all about the subject so if you are ever in need of help or have any questions, you can ask and they will know.
