How have you felt about this year?
It has been fast, busy, tiring at times, productive, eye-opening and rewarding. And I guess exciting because I have found a love of music I didn’t know I had.
What have you learnt about yourself this year?
I am capable of a lot if I put my mind to it
Never wish to grow up, because one day it might happen 🙂
I love music so much and it has opened so many doors such as playing in bands and leading worship
I have so much I want to do but don’t seem to have enough time to do it all 🙂
Every choice I have is now made with a view to my future, which is very exciting
What are you most proud of this year?
My IGCSE physics
Teaching myself guitar
Building my bass guitar from scratch
What are you least proud of this year?
When I first began playing the guitar I think it was more for my glory instead of God’s. After I changed this perspective and focused on God, my guitar playing became much more enjoyable and I became much more proficient at it.
What have you enjoyed the most?
Playing the guitar; mountain biking; spending time with my friends; most of my school and I have also enjoyed my relationship with my twin sisters.
What have you enjoyed the least?
Algebra and writing
What would you like to change?
Nothing
Do you feel like you have complete autonomy over your learning?
Yes, but I would prefer not to do the ten week writing you have in store for me! But I understand why I need to do it. (The college requires him to be studying for his English and Maths GCSE in order to secure funding)
Would you like more autonomy? No, I enjoy your input, and I like the fact we are able to change things around when they don’t work. I feel like we are partners.
What are you looking forward to next year?
I am looking forward to the Engineering course (if I am accepted), learning even more guitar, taking a few more GCSEs/IGCSEs and possibly starting to play another instrument.
Thomas is a very chatty young man and he and I spend hours each day in conversation, so none of this came as a surprise to me. I am aware that I have pretty much handed the reins of his education over to him and he is now an almost entirely self-directed learner. In fact, he is a man pretty much in full charge over his life. Gary and I offer our opinion any time he asks, but really the decisions are now his to make.
Thomas is happy, content and fully engaged with his life; I couldn’t be more delighted 🙂