Case Studies

"I'm Sophie Thurner and I’m from Munich in Germany. I came to Barrow 6th Form College last year and so far I've had a great time. Everybody is friendly and you can meet lots of different kinds of people. I'm doing Politics, Business Studies, Geography and History and I find these subjects really interesting."

"I am currently studying biology, chemistry, maths and government and politics, I have focused my studies around the sciences as my future career plan is to be a doctor so I hope to take medicine at university. I really enjoy my subjects with my lessons ranging from debating about a piece of legislation in politics to dissecting a human organ, such as the lungs, in biology. Relationships with my teachers are brilliant as they tend to be more like a friend you can feel comfortable talking to about things you maybe need explaining in more detail. The atmosphere within college is a stark contrast to that of school as it is much more relaxed as people are genuinely there to work and try the hardest to do the best they possibly can. During free time I often socialise with my friends in the social area chatting and listening to music, however if I have work to do the best place to do so is in the peaceful environment of library where we often go."

"I did my GCSEs at John Ruskin School and came to college because I liked the range of courses on offer. I am studying AS levels in Media Studies, English Language, Travel and Tourism and Geography. I like college because it is very friendly and I like being treated like an adult. Teachers are all helpful and everyone helps each other out. You need to put in a lot more effort at A-level and, since being here, I have become a lot more responsible for my learning and socialise with a bigger range of people. I am looking forward to going to university at the end of my course."

"I am studying Biology and Media Studies at Sixth Form, as well as the new Society, Health and Development Diploma. I enjoy the amount of work experience involved for the Diploma. I think this will help me to get into University, where I want to train to become a midwife. I enjoy being more independent at Sixth Form and my tutors are really helpful."

"I am studying AS Maths, Further Maths, French, Law and General Studies. I don’t have a particular career in mind, so I chose the subjects I enjoyed the most, which has worked out really well. I now plan to study Maths at university. The main differences between school and college are the workload and the level of independence you are given. Teachers are less strict and the classroom is more laidback, but harder working. To access the higher grades at this level, you need deeper subject knowledge and a great deal of time and effort. Overall, college is an enjoyable experience."

"I am currently studying English Language, French, Geography and Psychology and hope to go on to study Modern Languages at University. I think Sixth Form is different from school because it is more relaxed and you gain more independence. It is because of this that I believe I made the right choice in coming here."

"Since coming to Sixth Form I've really enjoyed it, I've made lots of new friends and all the teachers are brilliant, they give you support whenever you need it. I’m currently studying Law, Religious Studies, Geography and Biology I find them all really interesting and enjoyable."

"I liked Barrow 6th Form from the start because I thought it was friendly, welcoming and everyone was very helpful. It’s more relaxing than secondary school as there are less rules and no uniform. The lessons aren't bad either, you study 4 subjects in the first year and the work load is relatively easy to cope with if you are organised. I am taking Maths, Law, History and Art. At the start I thought the lessons were quite hard but after a couple of weeks I settled in and the work was much easier, if you are struggling then there is always support classes to help so you never have problems. Although the days are longer than secondary school you have lots of periods off which breaks the days down into easier ones. I would encourage people to come and recommend Barrow 6th Form because there is something here for everyone."

"I am studying AS Health and Social Care, Psychology, Film Studies and English Language. After College I am thinking about going to University but am not sure what course to take. I think Sixth Form gives you more freedom and independence but the tutors are still willing to help."

"After leaving school prior to taking my GCSEs I was away from education for four years. I came to Sixth Form in September 2008 to gain the qualifications I needed to improve my future prospects. I am currently studying OCR National Level 2 in Travel and Tourism, GCSE Maths and GCSE Business and Communication Systems. I am returning in September to complete A levels and hope to go to university in the future as I want to become a social worker. College has helped me not just academically but with finding somewhere to live and giving me the support I need to be successful."

Lloyd came to Sixth Form in 2007 from the Alfred Barrow School. He is about to complete 4 A Levels in Law, Sport, Sociology and General Studies. He decided to come to college as he saw higher education as providing more opportunities for employment. Lloyds ambition is to become a sports teacher and he is about to take up a place at the University of Cumbria to study Sport.

"When I left the Alfred Barrow School, I decided to go to Barrow 6th Form College as an alternation from Furness College after studying there for two years, I wanted to improve my English, Maths and ICT and 6th Form was able to fulfil my requirements. My career aim is to hopefully progress to A level courses which will enable me to secure a place on a Computer Forensics course."

"I am studying a BTEC foundation degree in art and design as a mature student. I am learning lots of new and interesting things on the course and it has motivated me on to university.

I originally worked in the construction industry but made the choice to come back to education full time and have not looked back since. The College and the tutors are great and very hospitable. My time and effort has really paid off here and I am happy to move on to bigger and brighter things."

"Work experience is part of my OCR National Travel and Tourism level 2 course. I went to Barrow Tourist Information Centre every Thursday afternoon for three hours, over a 10 week period. I learned customer service skills at my placement and my supervisor never pushed me into doing anything I wasn’t comfortable with, but I was encouraged to do new tasks. A typical afternoon involved dealing with customer enquiries, serving customers at the TIC desk, selling bus passes and coach holidays, checking deliveries and stocking shelves. I enjoyed work experience because every Thursday afternoon I learnt something new and I helped local members of the public and tourists with their enquiries."

"So far I have been on two work placements, Flookburgh and Grange Primary Schools. This has given me a good insight into teaching which has helped me to decide this is the career for me. Whilst there I got to work with children independently in group and one to one situations and now feel more confident about working with young children."

"I am a first year student studying Maths, French, English Literature and History. Sixth Form has given me the opportunity to explore in depth the subjects I love. The tutors are very supportive and always ensure that the class understands the work. One of the main differences between school and Sixth Form is that you are encouraged to express your ideas in lesson and be self motivated. The lessons are interesting and tutors are very dedicated to helping you succeed and enjoy your time at Sixth Form. The nature of your timetable means that you will meet many new people from many different schools who have similar interests to you. I met many new friends in my first month at Sixth Form as everyone is open and there is a very friendly, supportive atmosphere in college. Sixth Form was definitely the right choice for me as I have gained more confidence and believe that Sixth Form will provide me with skills for a successful future."

"I am currently studying Law, Applied ICT, Biology, Chemistry and General Studies. The Learning Support un College has been a huge help and helped me improve my grades and achieve the grades I felt capable of. I am hoping to study law at university with a career in the legal profession."