Hannah, Year 10 student, Vale of York Academy

I like some of the lessons, but I don’t really like Maths! I like sport because I feel like I can express myself and German, because it helps me broaden my horizons. A lot of teachers have interventions before and after school and they always help you when you need it. They tell you how you’re progressing and mark your books regularly.

I’ve done the Bronze Award as part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme and I’m now doing Silver. We had to do three months of volunteering, three months of a chosen skill and six months of practical. We did a practice expedition and then a real one, which encourages teamwork and taught me lots of new skills. The best thing I learned was how to map read, how to use a compass and how to work on my own as well as in a group.

Being at Vale of York Academy has helped me to give everything in everything I do, be the best that I can be and not compete with everyone else.