This is a question that really got me thinking. College or sixth form?
I am currently studying A-Levels at Bury College and i suppose they are going okay. I'm in my final year now where I study English Language, English Literature and Media Studies. This year I dropped Psychology. I couldn't get my head around all the rats, theorists on drugs and how children unconsciously 'sexually desire' the parent of the opposite sex, now I'm just scarred...
I wasn't meant to be going to Bury College though, I did really want to but all of my friends wanted and went to sixth forms so I thought that's what I had to do. I applied for all the local sixth forms and got accepted conditionally as most of them required 5 B's for entry, which on my GCSE results day I more than surprised myself and achieved. The place was now mine. Did I really want to go though?
A day before I was meant to be starting as a student of Turton Sixth Form I had a complete change of mind. I realised this wasn't what I wanted to do. That I was going purely because my friends were, which I'm sure you all know isn't right. You see you need to think about what YOU want. I wanted independence, to get a way from the school format and do things in more adult way. If I went to Turton I'd still be having form, if you're unfamiliar with this term it's basically like a class meeting in the morning where the register is taken and upcoming events at the school are shared. As a Year 11 student it's important to be aware that sixth form is very similar to school in the concept of the daily structure: form, lessons, lunch break, lessons. I know that some sixth forms even have a short break in the morning. The independence of a sixth form is still there though, you can leave the school grounds on your breaks and if you don't do your homework its your loss not theirs. No detention cards anymore. You need to do what you believe to be for you. I know this structure works great for some people as it is an easier transfer and I know on my first day of college, where I was standing at the bus stop 15 minutes before I usually got up for school, I was thinking 'why didn't I want to go to a sixth form again?'.
The college format only ever so slightly different but I think it was that change I wanted more than anything. You got given a time table where one day you could only have 2 lessons, one after the other, then you could leave. A short day like that was like a dream come true! Other days however were different for example on a Monday I used to have an hour lesson at 9am and then a 2 and a half hour break followed by an hour and a half lesson. Those days sucked. I'd either go shopping and look around at all the pretty clothes I couldn't afford or sit with my friend ruby talking about boys over several cups of Costa coffee. This two and a half hour break felt pointless to me until... coursework. This break then pushed me to the Library where I could use it productively and give myself the night off when I got home.
The college I study at has 5 different Library's which are all open to 8pm all equipped with books, magazines, newspapers, E-books, DVD's and computers. Discounted Costa on campus, I repeat DISCOUNTED Costa (this was definitely another selling point for me) Free transport there and back for those students like me who lived that little bit further. Bursary options to help you with finances on travel, trips and meals and of course the widest options of A-level and BTEC courses where as the sixth form options is a little more specific to the schools specialist subject.
I have to say I have no regrets about choosing college over sixth form, yeah I got there and it was a little scary at first but I made friends on the first day. Everything turns out okay. Growing up is a lesson and we learn these lessons all through life but that's what makes us who we are. Be independent make your own decisions.
Oh and one last thing, find the course you want to do and look for the best place to study it. Don't follow your friends path, follow your own. If you want to do science and you're looking at an arts specialist college logic says that one isn't for you. Don't stress yourself too much over it, you can always change.
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