Ferndown Upper School

I was an exchange student at Ferndown Upper School from September 2023 until December 2023. The school is well-organized, assemblies are excellent, and some teachers are really nice. However, some teachers didn't welcome us warmly. For example, in Drama class, the teacher divided the class in two, leaving me and another exchange student as a duo for the whole half term. In my opinion, this was disappointing because we couldn't interact with English students, hindering our goal of improving our English skills and making friends. Additionally, most teachers had a seating plan, they often placing me next to another exchange student. Furthermore, some teachers weren't understanding. On the first day, I was yelled at simply for asking a classmate a question. I was scared and nearly started to cry, because I was embarrassed in front of the whole class. Moreover, I wouldn't recommend placing exchange students in the GCSE year, because English students in this year are focused on exams and their future, making it challenging for exchange students to integrate and participate fully. While it didn't count for me or other exchange students, the pressure to sit exams alongside English students was daunting. However, the school provides a solid education and preparation for real life.

An idea for the contact person or team handling exchange students: assigning each exchange student a buddy in their year who could help them integrate during the first week would greatly alleviate feelings of isolation and facilitate interaction with English students.

Thank you for reading, and a special thanks to the teachers who welcomed me warmly! :)

Almost everything is perfect. The curriculum, the opportunities, and (my favourite) the food. The only main problem is the other students. Almost all of them are highly judgemental, prejudiced, and in some cases even discriminatory. The staff do alot but unless you go and talk to them yourself nothing really happens. There are loads of systems in place too to prevent things like this but they just don't happen enough.

I'm on my 2nd year and I really like it- but sometimes it's just harder than it needs to be

awesome, never thought I'd enjoy school