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From Nursery to Sixth Form, Maia’s journey at Teesside High School

Maia in Year 13 is our school Games Captain, and she joined us at Teesside High School in Nursery (15 years ago!). We recently interviewed Maia about her time at THS before she flies the nest for university and beyond.

Which three words would you use to describe Teesside High School?

Family, supporting and fun!

What has it been like being at THS for your full time in education?

I have not only received an amazing education, but I think I have become a well rounded individual. I feel as though Teesside High has taught me vital attributes that aren’t just part of a curriculum – learning how to be professional, how to compete in today’s corporate world, how to speak to people and be courteous and articulate – how to make an impression.

It made sense to stay at THS throughout my education because I have such great relationships with my teachers, they know how I learn and I’ve received great one-to-one support. I don’t think that I would have done as well anywhere else.

How has THS helped you become who you are today?

The main thing I would say school has helped with is my confidence. I used to be scared to stand up in front of people and talk, but now it doesn’t phase me. My Games Captain role has definitely helped me with this. There are so many opportunities to be involved in here, and I have not been afraid to have a go at anything. It’s true that those opportunities teach you different skills, and different things about yourself, and that’s what makes THS so special.

How have you found the continuity throughout the school?

I have found the continuity at THS really good, again that’s down to the relationships we have with our teachers. They made moving throughout the school really easy because they knew me as an individual. During both my transitions from Prep to Senior and Senior to Sixth Form I felt really comfortable as I knew who I could speak to if I needed anything.

How did you find those transitions?

During my transition from Prep School to Senior School I felt nervous and thought it was going to be a really big change. In fact the transition was really smooth, I wasn’t afraid to put myself forward for new things such as co-curricular activities and sporting fixtures.

My transition from Senior School to THS Sixth Form was again really smooth; Teesside High School just feels like a second home to me. There’s no place like it.

What is your greatest achievement at THS?

I was really proud of my GCSE results, as I achieved higher results than I thought I would. I sat my examinations just after the Covid pandemic, and it’s thanks to the school for providing such a good online learning experience that I was able to do so well.

As Games Captain, how did THS help you with your love for sport?

In the Prep School, part of the co-curricular provision involves visiting coaches – and this started my love for Netball. I have been playing Netball since I was six years old for Grangetown Netball Club. I have represented the club in every age group during the last 11 years and have had many successes, including the U14s National Competition, where we placed 7th in the country. I currently train with the Leeds Rhinos U21s squad.

There are lots of opportunities for sport at THS, competitive and non-competitive, including athletics, rounders, hockey, gymnastics and badminton. This wide variety helped me try new sports that I might not have played in a different school.

What are your plans after Sixth Form?

I would like to go to the University of Leeds to study Business Management with Marketing and continue to train with Leeds Rhinos while I study.

If you want to find out more about joining the THS family, please contact our friendly admissions team.