'Being an AVA student offers many new and valued opportunities, such as the chance to listen to talks about going to the top universities, like Cambridge and Oxford, and also the chance to do the Extended Project Qualification. The Extended Project Qualification is a fairly new course which allows students to research independently into a topic which really interests them. I am doing my project on the chemicals in sunscreen, because I enjoy Chemistry and I want to further my knowledge in this particular area. I've really enjoyed doing the Extended Project so far and I feel I have gained better organisational skills by doing it, because I have had to learn how to manage my time effectively to make sure my project is finished before the end of the academic year. I would encourage anybody who has the chance to do the Extended Project Qualification to do so because it is highly regarded by universities, which are becoming increasingly more competitive to get in to; and it is totally different to other subjects in college, so it stretches your academic ability and adds something a bit different to your timetable!'

'I am currently studying Law, Maths, Biology, Sport and General Studies at AS level. I chose to come to the Sixth Form College because it offers a wide range of subjects, sports clubs and other activities. The work is a big step up from GCSE level; but the tutors are always on hand to help you out if you have any questions and are willing to help you improve. Even though the work is hard, it's easy to settle in, and you get used to organizing your time. I am also studying for a Sports Leader Award, which is enjoyable and has developed my confidence. At the moment, I am unsure about what I want to do after Sixth Form, so I'm making full use of the careers advisors and employment fairs at college, which are very useful.'

'I am studying Psychology, Media Studies, English Language and Health and Social Care. I did really well in my recent Psychology module and I enjoy Health and Social Care so I would like to do something that involved both of these subjects.

I came to college because I wanted to mix with a bigger and more varied group of people and I didn't want to feel like I was still in a school environment. Although I know the teachers will always expect me to meet deadlines I like the freedom of deciding when I get the work done. It was a big change from school but there were plenty of icebreaker activities and I soon got to know people in my lessons. I am a lot more confident than I was at school and I am still meeting new people.'

'I am currently studying; Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry at Barrow Sixth Form College. I really enjoy all my lessons as they are more of a challenge compared to GCSEs and very interesting as I have to think more independently and concentrate harder. I am working towards my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, which is a great enrichment activity as it is great fun and you meet lots of new people along the way. After college, I am hoping to go to university to study Physics or Chemistry, leading to a career in either chemical engineering or astronomy.'

'My name is Vera and I'm a Swiss exchange students. I came to Barrow Sixth Form College to improve my English and experience the English way of life. I'm currently studying English, Mathematics, French and History which is my favourite because I've always loved it. The teachers here in college are very supportive, friendly and open-minded. What I like about this college is the independence which makes you more mature.'

'I came to Barrow 6th Form College because I wanted to study the Creative and Media Diploma alongside A levels. I am currently taking Business Studies and Applied ICT alongside it. I like college because we are treated a lot more like adults. I prefer the way I am taught here. To say that it is more relaxed perhaps gives the wrong impression because I am doing a lot better academically here. I managed a grade A in my recent Business Studies exam and a grade B in my General Studies. I was thinking about getting an apprenticeship when I leave but I can see many positives to going to university now. Although I came from a small school it was very easy to make friends and people made me feel welcome. I was a bit skeptical about coming to Barrow but the surrounding area is very pleasant.'

'My name is Sarah, I came to Barrow 6th Form from Ulverston Victoria High School. I am currently studying AS Law, Business Studies and Art. I also study GCSE Spanish which is such a worthwhile subject and I would defiantly recommend it. I came to Barrow 6th Form because I wanted to meet new people and they offer such a wide range of subjects. In college you are treated like an adult and the tutors are always there to help you with any problems. I want to go on to university and study either Spanish or Art with the intention to become a teacher in the future. I would recommend Barrow 6th Form to anyone wanting a great experience with a good atmosphere for learning and meeting new people.'

'I came from Walney School and I am currently studying AS levels in History, Government and Politics, English Language and Biology. I really enjoy attending 6th Form as I love the whole atmosphere about the College, everyone is friendly and there is always help on offer for you in the library or from the staff. There are several quiet places to study in college and I find these areas very useful for my work. Already I have taken part in some excellent trips to Strasbourg and London with my subjects, as college are always offering a variety of different opportunities like this which helps you to make new friends and gain confidence from the experience. In the future I am interested in going to University as I would like to become a teacher and I also want to further my studies either in History of English.'

'I am currently studying Geology, Geography, Maths and Biology. I am really enjoying all of these subjects and it has helped me think more about what I want to do in the future, which is to go to university and study a degree based in Geology and Geography. I think college has great library facilities with all the necessary text books and it provides a great place to sit and work in your private study periods due to the quiet environment. There are good relations between the students and tutors at college as everyone receives the necessary support as and when they need it. I really enjoy Barrow 6th Form College and I believe it offers great opportunities to learn new subjects and make informed decisions about the future.'

'I am currently studying biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and geology at Barrow Sixth Form College and I hope to progress further studying dentistry at university. For me, one of sixth forms best features is the wide range of subjects you can study. Courses like geology give students the opportunity to explore a field they were interested in, but couldn't pursuit in their secondary school education. The college is full of resources, such as the library and many I.T suites, allowing students to reinforce their knowledge and develop a full-bodied interest in their career paths. Each of the departments in the college also run several revision classes every week, giving people the opportunity to clarify ideas brought up or to complete assignments with tutor help available.'

'My name is Kieran and before I came to Barrow 6th Form College I went to Furness Academy North Site. I am studying OCR National ICT, GCSE Maths and GCSE English. I decided to come to Barrow 6th Form College because it is easy to travel to and it had a good reputation for the place where cool and smartkids go, as well as adult students. When you first arrive at college you don't realise it, but you make friends very easily, because everyone is in the same situation as you. There is much more freedom to do what you want to do at college. It takes a while to work out how to manage your time. I wanted to come to this college to give myself a better chance to get into the career that I want. I have an interview soon and am looking forward to joining the army.'

'A B grade GCSE in Art at school was the end of my Art education until I joined Barrow Sixth Form College in 2008. My passion for art had never wained, so after many years managing a successful nursery in Barrow and starting a family, I indulged my yearning to paint. Studying first A level Fine Art then Art Foundation at Barrow Sixth Form my studies have introduced me to new techniques, styles, skills and like minded people, both students and professionals. Talented, interested and supportive Art department staff have nurtured my talent and encouraged me to experiment and expand my artistic horizons. I have grown in confidence and was overjoyed when I discovered I had received 100% in my Art A level exams. I have made many friends on the course and enjoyed discussing ideas with other students and staff. I am now hoping to become an exhibiting artist, so my advice to anyone considering becoming a mature student is ... if it will help you with your career, or provide fulfilment in your everyday life É do it!'

'I came from Millom School and decided to study AS levels in Fine Art, Media Studies, Textile Art and English Language. I decided to come here because there is more freedom and trust here. The tutors are very supportive and if you ask, they will give their free time to help. Coming to Barrow Sixth Form seems scary at first and I thought I'd get lost but after the first lesson I was already enjoying it and if you ask another student or tutor, they will show you where to go. I would like to attend an arts speciality school after sixth form.'

'I came from Chetwynde School and I am studying AS levels in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physical Education. I decided to come here because it offered a wide range of subjects and there are lots of enrichment opportunities to be involved in, my favourite being the football team. One of the subjects I have enjoyed is Sport and Physical Education; I find it very interesting and therefore enjoyable and I hope to further my studies in this area at university. All the tutors are very supportive and provide the students with everything they need to succeed.'