Case Studies
"Work experience at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology was very interesting and fun. It was a topic of conversation in both of my Cambridge interviews, and helped me gain a place on my chosen degree course in Natural Sciences."
"I am hoping for a career in primary teaching, therefore I took advantage of work placements given to me in college. I have been on 3 placements, 2 at primary schools in the local area and a placement at a special needs school. I gained a lot of experience which was very useful when I was applying for universities. When given the opportunity to go for interviews I was able to talk about issues concerning primary schools and I also had evidence of the work. The schools completed evaluations and now I have received offers from all my chosen universities."
“I am taking Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Psychology. After 6th form I hope to study medicine at university. Sixth form is a completely different experience to school, everyone is really relaxed and it’s an enjoyable environment to be in. Lessons are really interesting and most people want to learn, so the atmosphere is really good. We’re all welcome and even encouraged to ask questions in class, and the departments run lunch hour workshops for homework, revision or just asking about something you didn’t quite grasp in a lesson. You can spend your free time at college how you like; driving lessons, shopping or eating are some of my favourites! I do a lot of my work in my free time though, leaving more time for myself at the weekend.”
Adelina is currently studying AS’s in Business Studies, Law and Travel and Tourism. Originally from Kosovo she is settled in Barrow and is working on improving her grade in GCSE English. Adelina enjoys learning about different holiday destinations and intends to pursue a career in the travel industry.
Jasmin is studying AS Health and Social Care, Chemistry, Biology and English Literature. After college she is currently considering going to university or joining the police force. She comments “I think the tutors here are very supportive and provide help when needed.”
“At the Sixth Form College, I study French, English Language, English Literature, Government and Politics and General Studies. I chose these subjects because I had always enjoyed French and English at school, and Government and Politics is really interesting. I plan to go to university, although as yet I am not sure about which course and where to study. Obviously, you have to work at College; but, if you choose courses that suit you and you have a real interest in learning about the subject, it can be really rewarding. Of course, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in, as well as some amazing opportunities to go away on College trips.”
“I am currently studying ICT, Psychology, Biology, General Studies and Fine Art. I plan on going onto study at university after Barrow 6th Form. My subject choices have challenged me and motivated me to reach my full potential.
After being here nearly a year I am still content and happy with the choice I made of coming here.”
“I am studying English Language, Biology, Geography and Law. I hope to go to university in the future and get into journalism at some point. Coming from a private school it's great how welcoming everybody is and how the transition is made easy for you. You're treated like an adult and the freedom is refreshing.”
“I came to BSFC from Hamburg on an educational programme. I am currently studying French, Spanish, English Language, Biology, Maths and General Studies. When I return to Germany I will do my ‘Abitur’ as well as International Baccalaureate. I then plan to study at an International University in Germany.”
“After completing my GCSEs at Walney School, I decided to apply for further education at Barrow Sixth Form. I chose to study English Language, English Literature, Media Studies and Modern History. My reasons for choosing these courses were down to personal interest and possible future career prospects. I feel I made the right choice in coming to sixth form as I am interested in continuing English at University. Sixth form has not only supported me in my choice of courses, but also given me lots of information to help me decide on what I could do after college.”
“I decided to come to Barrow Sixth Form because of the large number of people here. The Sixth Form at my secondary school was very small - I wanted to go somewhere with a large mix of people, so I'm more prepared for the transition to university. I'm studying Chemistry, Biology, Maths and English Literature at AS level this year and hoping to go to university to study Medicine. The college has been really helpful with this, and has given me advice and information on finding work experience and visiting different universities. Since being here I've made lots of friends, people who I otherwise wouldn't even have met. The atmosphere in the social area is great and it lets you relax in your free periods, but the work atmosphere in the library and in lessons makes it easy to keep on track with homework assignments and with revision. I'm really glad I came here.”
“I am studying AS Fine Art, Applied ICT, English Literature and Mathematics.
I am going to be studying at the Sixth Form for three years. Within my third year I will be taking the Art Foundation Course and I hope to go on to study Fine Art at university after this.
The college and its tutors give you a lot more independence but they are always willing to help if you don’t understand something. I have really enjoyed my first year at Barrow Sixth Form.”
“I am studying A2 Maths, Physics and Chemistry this year and hope to use these to go on and study either Mechanical or Chemical engineering. I moved to Barrow Sixth Form from UVHS and found the atmosphere extremely welcoming and helpful. I find that staff will go out of their way to benefit students, which gives me an extra confidence within college.
I find (particularly studying science courses) that the resources available to me are extremely vast.”
“I and am studying AS levels in Geography, Geology, History and Biology. I decided to come here because it had a good reputation and travelling is easy. It is different to school because the tutors treat you like adults which gives you more independence. It makes you look after your own future and starts you on the road to university. I really like the atmosphere here. Coming from a small school it was easy to settle in because the tutors are so friendly. It’s easy to make friends because everyone is new together; we’re all in the same boat. My advice to anyone starting would be to organise your time well and catch up straight away if you have to miss a lesson. I am looking forward to going to university to study History. I have definitely gained confidence while I have been here and the Geography fieldtrip helped.”