choices

Studying at sixth form or college

If studying full-time is the option for you then in Northumberland you can choose to do this either in a school sixth form – this can be at the school you attend now or a different one - or a college of further education (FE). In some parts of Northumberland you take a combination of courses that means you attend school and college. Choices '10 gives you details of who offers what, but check with the prospectus too. For more information about courses go to Course Guide.

Reasons for going to college

• A less formal learning environment.
• A different range of courses on offer - generally the range of work related courses is larger because colleges are bigger institutions.
• An opportunity to meet new people.

Specialist colleges cover a specific subject area or offer specialist support for students with a particular disability or learning difficulty.

Reasons for staying at school

• A familiar learning environment.
• Already know staff and have built up relationships with them.
• A more formal structure to learning.

Why not:

• Attend sixth form and college open evenings/days.
• Look at the prospectus.
• Talk to teachers and tutors about course content, the way they are taught and examined – will this suit your learning styles?
• Ask parents, friends, learning mentors and relatives who know you well.
• Talk to your school careers co-ordinator or Personal Adviser.
• Use your Connexions Resource Centre to consider where courses could lead.

Find out as much as you can to help you decide if you are on the right track.  Try to make a plan, with a back up option, just in case.

Connexions Direct is a free help line for people aged 13-19. They are there to help you with any issue that’s troubling you – big or small. 080 800 13219