Being admitted to High School is an exciting moment that can raise many questions for the high school students. This is why Vanessa, a student in the 12th grade at Avenor College, told us about what the 9th and 10th grades mean for the students who study in the international system and how they are supported by the school, pointing out the most important aspects of the beginning of high school life.

The moment of choosing the subjects: “Think about what you really like.”

“If I were to come up with one piece of advice that I would give to a 9th grade student who is currently choosing subjects, I would tell him to think about what he really likes. It’s no secret, some subjects are harder than others, but passion has the power to diminish differences between subjects. When you learn something you like, it will not be difficult for you ”, Vanessa says. She told us that in 9th and 10th grade it is useful to start experimenting with different study areas, but it is not necessary to know exactly what career path you want to pursue. “At the beginning of high school, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do, so I followed the advice of the school: I experimented. I had support from both teachers and parents, I felt that I had time to think well about my choice, and in my school it is not shameful to ask questions, so every time I needed a tip, I asked questions and I found an answer. “

Learn how to plan your time: “You have a lot of time, but don’t waste precious resources”

“At the beginning of the 9th grade, all older colleagues advise you to start learning as early as possible and they are right. From my experience, I can say that if I go back to the 9th grade I would make notes from time to time, I would pay more attention in class and I would definitely clean my closet more often.

At the beginning of high school you seem to have a lot of time until the important exams, but it is good to take the Mock exams seriously. The 10th grade marks will help you get into University. Regardless of the University you will choose later, you must prove that your academic career has been consistent, and if you are responsible with your study time, everything will be much easier. You have plenty of time, but  don’t waste valuable resources.

Whether you choose to follow the study plan prepared by the Student Support Officer according to your needs, or take full responsibility for this, you must take things seriously”, Vanessa told us.

Take care of yourself: “A healthy psychic will help you take good grades.”

It is important to be a good manager of your study time, but in order to devote yourself fully to the study, you also need mental health. Vanessa told us about the PSHE  and the contribution during each student’s academic pathway: “The PSHE classes are the ones that will help you stay focused on studies, but without neglecting your friends or your life outside of school. High School is also the moment you discover yourself, when you learn things about yourself as a human being. At PSHE you discover that you are not the only one asking questions, trying to understand what it means to be authentic, to be ok with who you are. In addition to PSHE classes, you can always go to a school counselor to talk about your feelings and if you feel you need help, it’s good to ask for it. If you understand what’s going on with you, you can focus more on the study, and your grades will improve.”

All Avenor High School graduates now study at their desired universities, in Romania or abroad. If you are interested in our international high school, contact us at admissions@avenor.ro