Being an A-Level student

 

 



Unlike, most students who start at St Brendan's Sixth Form just finished school and were 16 years of age - not me. I had already done a year of Health & Social Care at a previous college, got my Distinction* and was having a fresh start at the sixth form local to me. I wasn't starting completely friendless (although I wouldn't discourage not starting at a college/sixth form just because you'll be the only one going there!) I knew some of my old friends were going, for example my childhood friend Steph, but the concept of starting somewhere completely new was terrifying (let alone if you don't know anyone!)

Aside from the subjects, I personally think the next most important thing when starting a new college for the first time (or if you're adventurous like me - start at a new one!) is your college social life. This could be proven difficult to maintain or even gain, as a lot of people tend to stay in their friendship groups - although from my experience I can assure you that all changes later on, specially in the second year! My best advice would be - try everything at least once. Activites, going on trips - they're really good ways to bond with fellow students and classmates. From my personal experience, I met a lot of my friends from a history trip to the Tower of London, it's actually where I met Jamie, so I guess it was worth it...
But yeah I think it's really important to socialise while studying...you know...just incase you forget what homework was set....

Secondly (of course!) are the studies; now, obviously being an A-level - I'm going to come straight out with it, so **SPOILER ALERT** - it is TOUGH and sometimes HELL - however, all of this can be avoided if you make sure you pick the subjects you actually think you would enjoy and will find interesting; for example, I took my A-level subjects on the basis that I would find them interesting and enjoyable - and although at the end of the day yes they are educational subjects and can be quite dull, I enjoy them. One of my subjects that I take is Psychology, which can be sooo interesting yet sooo dull (two words: research methods.), but I think what drew me into taking Psychology was the concept that it was never an option to study while I was at school. Therefore, I also think trying something new is really important and learning if you enjoy it or not. Don't just take a subject just because it was easy - but by all means go for something that you're really good at (for instance, my strong point is English, so I took Literature & Language combined).

Previously I mentioned that taking part in events at college is a big must - how it can increase and broaden social network, but it can also enhance your chance of progressing to higher education like Uni. Becoming a Tutor Rep or part of the Student Union will tell the Universities you are applying for that you're responsible and that you can work well in a team; that you can organise charity events for example or support others on your fellow team. just throwing that into your Uni application screams commitment.

Lastly, just remember that college is the best few years of your life (or at least, it was mine); its where you meet many of your life long friends, where you learn independence to meet your coursework's deadline or actually bother showing up to college. For those of you debating whether or not to give college ago (I guess you've worked out the theme in this post) go for it!! Seriously, the education and qualifications are free, its somewhere you can chill and socialise with your friends and you can all worry together about revising! Yay!