EDUCAT ION
However, for those who prefer a more modular approach, where instead of relying on a once-and-for-all throw of the dice to determine your results, university place and possibly your entire future (it’s rarely that black and white, but for an overwhelmed teenager, it can certainly feel that way), courses such as BTECs can be the answer. Traditionally considered as more a vocational option, they are increasingly acceptable to universities (many Russell Group establishments certainly won’t say no to a clutch of starred distinctions, as long as the subject relates closely to the degree course). Then there’s the conundrum of where to study. In Cambridgeshire, that’s a pleasant problem to have. If there’s one thing we aren’t short of, it’s schools and colleges with top-quality sixth forms. Independent or state, many garner plaudits for a combination of excellent results and pupil progress year in, year out. Some have a particular speciality. The Cambridge Academy for Science and Technology, also – like Parkside – part of Cambridge Academic Partnership, is a vibrant specialist science academy located slap bang in the heart of our city’s Biomedical Campus, giving unique opportunities for pupils to work with top academic and commercial organisations and the option to choose from nine career pathways – from life or applied sciences to STEM. In some schools, new sixth-formers will be joining an existing community and, as part of their time there, taking on additional responsibilities. St Mary’s values students who want to learn and are thoroughly engaged in what they are studying, but who are also interested in going beyond the curriculum. “We are looking for students who engage academically and who are proactive about their own educational journey,” explains Ruth Taylor. While pupils are far more responsible for organising their time, there’s no shortage of help and advice when it’s needed. Bishop’s Stortford College looks for intellectual curiosity, willingness to work hard, and an enthusiasm for life and learning. Sixth-formers are encouraged to take on leadership roles with younger pupils (school houses run from Year 9 to
the answers, whether through open days or individually organised tours. You’ll garner more information on subjects you’re interested in, with St Mary’s, for example, laying on subject-related activities on sixth-form open days, so you can see if they shape up to expectations or might not, after all, be right for you. And students can find out not just about the academic side, but look at all the other aspects that go into shaping the sixth- form experience – from work experience to enrichment. That richness of opportunities is also stressed by Katie Banks at Bishops Stortford College. “Sixth form isn’t just about A-level lessons,” she says. “Look for somewhere that will give you the all- round experience.” Jon Ellams at Parkside stresses the importance of not just looking where you’ll be in two years’ time, but far beyond that. He concludes: “I make quite a big deal about saying, ‘Look, it’s not about where you’re going to be when you’re 18, it’s where you’re going to be when you’re 25, 35 or 45.’ Get it right now and you’ll benefit for the rest of your life.”
Year 13) and sign up for extracurricular activities – and also have a strong, easily accessible support system in place. “Students are placed in tutor groups according to their subjects, so they can get individualised expert support,” says Katie Banks. “We have a team of full-time higher education and careers experts to help with next steps, and our Pathways programme focuses on developing 21st- century skills.” Other sixth form colleges specialise solely in educating 16 to 18 year olds. Teaching staff, facilities and activities will all be focused on this age range – a specialism that can be highly successful. Visiting schools and colleges can be the starting point in providing many of
“Get it right now and you’ll benefit for the rest of your life”
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C A M B S E D I T I O N . C O . U K
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