Tallis 16+
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Alicja  "inspired to go for it"

Picture
Before I came to Tallis 6th Form I was a bit of a blaggard. I got away with doing a minimum of work despite a natural interest in music, art, dance, literature and language. The teaching ethos in my secondary school wasn’t the most inspiring and I was keen to change schools for Sixth Form.

I heard about Tallis through a friend and went for an interview. Immediately I liked the atmosphere and felt that it was a real place with its students’ interests at heart, so my choice was made, Tallis it is.

I took English, French, Art and Philosophy for A-Level. I was surprised at how much my teachers encouraged and pushed me to do my best. Although I was still doing a fair bit of blagging I was couldn’t deny that I was getting a lot of intellectual stimulation in my classes, developing skills in essay writing, structure of arguments, oil painting and languages, and overall enjoying my classes thanks to the teachers’ commitment. I joined an after-school Conga group where I discovered the power of community music, Afro-style.

Both academically and socially life at Tallis was cool, teachers were on a level and the vibe was open, friendly and real.




When I finished Year 12 with mixed results I decided it was time to get down to some proper work and to give back the time and effort the teachers were putting in.

So in Year 13 I worked hard and “played” hard. I focused on my studies and joined the Samba group and started regularly playing gigs locally and at well-known events such as Notting Hill Carnival and the London Mayor’s Thames Festival. I loved the vibe of playing in a samba group and the music balanced out my studies. I finished Tallis with 4 A’s and many positive experiences and memories.

I went on to study English and Philosophy at Leeds University. While in Leeds I found Honeydrum World Music, a group specialising in African, Cuban and Brazilian rhythm, song and dance. We performed regularly and I started to teach lessons with Honeydrum while still at university.

I finished my degree with a high 2:1, and was able to pursue music and dance full-time. With my partner in Honeydrum we lead workshops, classes and performances in Leeds and the UK. We now have a 10 month old daughter and so have begun a new journey of family together.

Looking back on my time at Tallis I reflect that going to Tallis led me to where I am now.  My teachers inspired me to go for it, their passion for teaching and supporting their students’ development is unique and I am very grateful to them for it.


TALLIS 16+

Kidbrooke Park Road
London SE3 9PX

T +44 (0)208 856 0115   
F: (0)208 331 3004
​E: [email protected]

​
  • Home
  • About
    • Prospectus
    • A Virtual Tour
    • Why Tallis Post 16?
    • Applying to Tallis
    • Exam Results 2024 >
      • Exam Results 2023
      • Exam Results 2022
      • Exam Results 2021
    • How to find us
  • Curriculum
    • Business & ICT
    • Computer Science
    • English & Philosophy
    • Extended Project Qualification
    • Graphics
    • Humanities & Social Sciences
    • Mathematics
    • Languages
    • Performing Arts
    • Physical Education
    • Sciences
    • Visual & Media Arts
  • Parents
    • Pastoral Care
    • Letters Home
  • Policies
    • Learning Agreement
    • Admissions
    • Attendance
    • Reporting an absence
    • Post-16 Dress Code
    • Behaviour and Support
    • Plagiarism
    • Bursary Scheme
    • BTEC Guidelines
  • Students
    • Student Voice
    • Black Lives Matter
    • Clubs & Societies
    • Exams & Assessments
    • Co-curricular opportunities
    • School Journeys
    • The Personal Enrichment List
    • Interventions timetable
    • Transition Reading Lists
    • Supercurricular Reading Lists
    • Top Tips posters
    • JCQ Information for Candidates
    • Facilities
  • Progression
    • Progression Event Resources
    • Progression Booklet 2025
    • UCAS
    • University Outreach, Events and Open Days
    • Oxbridge & the Russell Group
    • Visual, Media & Performing Arts Progression
    • Student Finance
    • World of Work
    • Careers & Training
    • Destinations
    • Alumni
  • Links
  • Contact