I recently moved into the area from London. When I came for my interview, I got a really good impression. The atmosphere was calm and it made me feel comfortable.
The staff were really nice and informed me about the facilities, for example the LRC and study room, and provided me with a breakdown of the curriculum. This is what urged me to come here.
We were the first year to do A levels, and I think I have had a lot of support, not only from tutors, but safeguarding and welfare too. I have a lot of one to one support which has been a relief as I had just completed my GCSEs, which were quite stressful.
I find College different to school in that I find College more relaxed and having a break after classes is helpful as you can use your time effectively and helps manage time in the future as well as uni.
You have to take control of your spare time. We have directed study now, so we need to make sure we are managing our time well, especially as we have various subjects and assignments.
I have gone from a full time timetable Monday to Friday 9am to 3.30pm, which was quite overwhelming, but College is more manageable and relaxed. More content heavy, but more relaxed in terms of timetable.
I think not having to wear a uniform is a huge plus as you can wear what you want, within reason, which makes a change from school where you had to follow a strict policy.
I want to get into veterinary medicine, which has always been an aspiration of mine. The College has helped guide me with my UCAS application, which was great as I wasn’t sure how to do it. I have applied for my dream College which is the Royal Veterinary College and a few others. I have already got 3 offers which I am really happy about.
In the summer, I completed a week’s work experience at a veterinary clinic. It was great hands on experience with animals.
I have done virtual work experience using Springpod which allowed me to complete work experience across a variety of hours.
For those in year 11 thinking about coming to College I would say keep your options open, do not hold back and be influenced by others – go with what you want to do. It’s your career at the end of the day, and potentially something you will be doing for the rest of the life so make sure it’s something you enjoy.
