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Want to Study?
There are many careers where full-time education is the preferred entry route. You may prefer this way of learning and not have a definite career goal
in mind. Whether it is A levels, BTEC or NVQs choosing the right course for you is not easy. You may find the following helpful:
What are you good at and what do you enjoy?
It would not be a good idea to spend two years studying something that bores you. Is it sensible to spend two years studying something you are not very good at?
Do your research.
Talk to your school subject teachers about course ideas. Ask them if they feel the choice is suitable for you. Ask to talk to people who are doing
the course you are interested in. Check out the school and college web sites listed. Visit open events to discuss the courses in more detail. Make sure
you know enough about them before making your decision
Is there something new that you would like to study?
Sixth forms and colleges offer many new subjects. Some may not require previous knowledge or experience
Course structure, will it suit you?
How is the course assessed – end of year exams, continuous assessment, both? How is the course taught, lectures, practical workshops, field
work? Can you organise yourself to work to tight deadlines without someone chasing you?
Where will the course lead?
To a job or Higher Education? Will employers or higher education institutions value the qualification? Does the course relate to the career you
have in mind? Will it open or close doors?
Where to study?
When you have decided on the course you also need to consider where you want to study. To help you do this you should:
· Talk to friends, teachers, parents and your personal adviser
· Look carefully at the literature they publish
· Check their website (it may be more up to date)
· Go to open days (see note below)
Answer the following questions:
· How easy is it to get there?
· How friendly is the atmosphere?
· How good are the learning facilities?
· What is the social life like?
· What do past students say?
· What are their exam results like?
· Are the courses on offer right for you?
Summary
You will find the answers to many questions by contacting local schools and colleges. You will find telephone numbers, addresses and links to the school/college websites
on the individual institution page on this website. Use the Transport for London Journey planner to work out how you could get to places where courses are provided. Don’t
forget that there are other websites with useful advice, guidance and information.
Information about Open Days and Evenings for Sixth Form colleges and F.E. colleges can
be found on this website under the institution page. Alternatively, use the website link to the college or telephone their administration office. Sixth Form open days for
schools are often held late in the Autumn Term. These dates will be placed on this website as they become available.