James Barton, MPW Group Global Director, on the benefits for students of heading on to a sixth form college for education and inspiration
Education is not a one-size fits all business, and in the post-GCSE landscape, sixth form becomes a real chance to reinvent yourself. To some this seems daunting, while to others it is an opportunity. It can be difficult for anyone to know what to expect from the whole sixth form experience. That is what causes even the most confident to stumble a little at the outset. Is the day structured very differently? What will the timetable look like? Will you feel like the new boy or girl again or will you be joined by others going through the same process?
And this is where colleges fit into the picture. Born out of the university-tutorial mould over 50 years ago, they have established enough of a foothold to suggest their relevance is beyond question. Sixth form colleges still require an element of myth busting. The stigma that they are only ‘crammers’ or for those who have been removed from mainstream schools is frankly nonsense today.
Sixth form colleges have morphed, diversified, grown and built and are, for many students, a number-one choice. This is because of the variety and diversity they can offer within a more flexible environment. With over 40 different A level options – and some with Foundation courses now too – colleges are geared up for those who know what they want to do in the future. In this environment they can focus on it.
One issue for some students is whether college will be too big a jump? In fact, they are not as far removed from a school as one might expect. We need to explain the word ‘independence’, a red herring in marketing literature. Independence does not mean students are on their own, but rather that they are being taught to cope with what comes next. This ranges from ‘guided’ independent working to accommodation that offers increasing levels of independence. The ultimate aim of sixth form colleges today, is to bridge a gap between school and university, and they have become very successful at it. How? By recognising that what is required extends beyond the classroom – life education is just as important.
“Students are now at the business end of their school career and they should use the two years of sixth form to work out what they want to do next”
Regardless of where they choose to go, students are now at the ‘business end’ of their school career and they should use the two years of sixth form to work out what they want to do next. They should expect more focus on careers and university courses, a sensible discussion on gap years (now they are old enough to understand the merits of one), university visits and CV awareness. They should make good use of their university counsellors and, if they are going for specific programmes or universities (Dentistry, Medicine, Oxbridge), make full use of the specialist guidance offered. They are at the stage where an element of proactivity is not only expected, but it should also feel natural.
A new environment for sixth form can often be the best source of inspiration for the next step. What should you expect as a student? A more adult learning experience. What should your chosen college expect from you? A more adult student. The experience you have will be defined by what you make of it.
MPW London mpw.ac.uk/locations/london
Further reading: St Clare’s Oxford on education for changing times
You may also like...
