Thomas
Thomas joined LVS Hassocks at the beginning in Year 7. Now he is in Year 11 and looking forward to joining Dv8 Sussex, a creative college for students aged 16-18 years old in Brighton.
Games Development is Thomas’s chosen course going, having developed a natural ability for 3D games design while at LVS Hassocks. Thomas appreciates how school has given him the flexibility to advance his creative skills, while also studying towards the key qualifications he needs in order to secure a place at college.
Thomas is on track to achieve a six or seven GCSE in maths and a five or six in English, plus art. He’s also sitting a BTEC, and has achieved his Duke of Edinburgh award.
“I’ve always wanted to make stuff, as sometimes I’m not happy with some of the games I see, so I’m going to go for it. I’ve got loads of ideas in my head and I like developing my own games on my laptop,” says Thomas.
“My tutor and lots of teachers have helped me here.”
Thomas has enjoyed the small class sizes at LVS Hassocks and is pleased with how well supported he has been, as he prepares to take the next step into college.
“I’m looking forward to being based in Brighton. I can take the bus to college and it’s got lots of places to eat and to meet up with people,” says Thomas, who has enjoyed visiting a number of colleges to see what’s available, something that LVS Hassocks helps facilitate.
When it comes to leaving the security of LVS Hassocks, Thomas admits that he’s looking excited about the next step, while adding that he’s not going to miss the studying and preparation for his final exams! “I’m nervous and busy trying to get as much done here, before I get to college and I’m doing things, like practising with various software, to help me get ahead.”
Thomas praised LVS Hassocks for supporting him with various issues, including help with burn out. “They are understanding and supportive of sensitive topics,” he says, adding that he is going to miss his friends and teachers. “My tutor and lots of teachers have helped me here,” says Thomas, adding: “The ITC teacher knows about gaming and he has been supportive.”
He will also remember events like parents’ evening fondly, sharing that he always receives lots of praise from the teachers. “They say I work hard and cope well with stuff”.