Maya Williams, 16, is a student at Stroud High School and an aspiring writer.

She lives in Chalford.

I AM a sixth former.

Afternoons frequently find me sprawled atop two essays and a textbook. The homework is tough. They really crack down in sixth form.

I didn’t think at first, despite the warnings, that it would be quite so difficult.

No matter what they told us, I never really took it in.

Sure, I listened, but it’s not so easy to understand something until it’s upon you.

Then there are study periods. Except no-one ever calls them study periods.

Despite protestations from the teachers, they are universally known as frees.

A few people simply take it as an opportunity to relax. Some even go home.

Our teaching is good and the teachers are wonderful.

However, because we are now grown-up A-level students, they expect us all to suddenly be studious, mature young adults.

And as we are now ‘adults’ we are shown some challenging videos to teach us about feminism. Classes are interesting.

The lack of uniform gives us a self-esteem boost, as does being at the top of the school.

Strolling down corridors watching the younger students cringe before me is very satisfying. I am totally powerful!

I have never before joined a school club.

However, this year – after weeks of being lectured about the importance of putting ourselves out of our comfort zones and ‘getting involved’ – I finally signed up for Wednesday archery sessions.

Although most of the students are several years below me, many are a lot more talented with the bow. Just occasionally do I succeed in scoring gold. I’m not quite the perfect hitman I want to be but I’m getting there!

With my lunch periods occupied, I have had no time to read the weekly-assigned pages of the history textbook.

So the afternoons find me trying to catch up.

It’s tough in sixth form.