Libby
With an avid interest in history, LVS Oxford is the perfect environment for Libby to spend her school days. Parts of the main building date back to the 1660s, with the school’s dining hall –with its colourful stained glass windows – situated in the chapel of a former Victorian Priory.
“We’re very proud of the school’s history. I’ve enjoyed finding out about it. I’m interested in Elizabethan England and I used to be obsessed with the Tudors. I like their fashion and learning about King Henry VIII and his six wives – I saw the musical Six and really liked that,” says Libby, who is part of a Youth Theatre group after school.
Libby joined LVS Oxford in Year 9, having found mainstream school difficult. “I’d been at home, just lying in bed mostly. Coming here was a big difference because I hadn’t been around lots of people. It did take me time to adjust, although I initially did three assessment days in Year 8 before joining in Year 9 after the summer holidays,” explains Libby, adding that she quickly became friends with her whole class, going on to form two close friendships.
“Since joining LVS Oxford, I’m much happier. I enjoy coming to school and how everyone takes an interest in me, asking how I am doing today.”
Outside, the school building is surrounded by fields and nature, with horses grazing in an adjoining field. There is also an outstanding horticulture area, which allows students hands-on experiences, along with a pathway of land-based qualifications.
“It’s so nice to be able to walk around the school. I like having lots of space and I especially like the winter when it’s cold. You can see your breath in the air and the frost. It’s very atmospheric.”
History, Art and English are Libby’s favourite subjects and she is also enjoying undertaking work experience at the local family visitor attraction, Fairytale Farm, once a week. “We get to help look after the animals, meet the visitors and we get a hot chocolate.”
Libby is undertaking an ASDAN land-based qualification and the work experience at Fairytale Farm is part of that. But while Libby enjoys being with the animals and outdoors, she hopes to be an author one day. “I love to write stories and books.”
A fan of children’s author Jacqueline Wilson, Libby explains: “I struggled to read until I read a Jacqueline Wilson book. I still buy every book she releases – she’s writing sequels, so I want to see what the characters get up to. They feel like friends.”
As someone who appreciates her English lessons, Libby has enjoyed working on speech writing and presentation, as part of the GCSE curriculum. “We had to write a speech about a serious topic and then talk about it for five to ten minutes, answering any questions from the group.
“I wrote about euthanasia and the ‘right to die bill’. I like to know what’s happening in politics and around the world, listening to the radio and reading the news. School encourages us to know what’s going on and to discuss in class whether we agree or are against things. It all helps with our language devices and improves our vocabulary.”
Libby concludes: “Since joining LVS Oxford, I’m much happier. I enjoy coming to school and how everyone takes an interest in me, asking how I am doing today. School helps me feel that I can do stuff.”