A nervous wait for results

It seem like it was just yesterday when I was preparing for my GCSE's and now I nervously await my results that are being released on the 24th August.

To add to this speedy change in my life I'm finding myself preparing for A levels, already attempting to get my head around the huge leap from GCSE to A level in maths and physics. I'm also finding myself thinking about what I want to wear for sixth form. For me, I'm ok with taking these adjustments in my stride however I can imagine all the headaches other teenagers are going through around this time.

Not only that, but the developments in my local area such as new play areas in Plaistow park and the new Westfield Shopping Centre being built in Stratford emphasise how quickly the Olympics are going to come around. I don't know what other people think but I'm pleased with the progress made. I think it's showing a positive change in the area and I'm confident this positivity will be sustained for many years to come.

I've just returned from Estonia with the England Under 16 Basketball Team representing the country in the Fiba European Championships. I have done international tournaments before but I knew this one was it, that one that really mattered.

Our accommodation was a hotel outside the city of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, in which we were housed with other teams, so we could see the size of the other participants. We played at two different venues in Tallinn not far from the hotel.

Our performance was outstanding, we played with heart and desire in every game. However, we slightly underachieved coming 11th out of 20 countries and losing our chance of promotion to division A. One game blew our chance to have a go at the next qualifying round, which was given to the Slovak and Czech teams.

Personally, I learnt a lot from the tournament and experienced international basketball on another level. I have set myself a new goal to make the England under 18 team next year and participate in the under 18 European championships and take my game to the next level.