So, one way to think about it is that FE colleges are on one end of the spectrum and school sixth forms are on the other, with sixth form colleges being the middle ground.
School sixth forms tend to be more formal places, as the site is often shared with younger students in years 7 to FE colleges provide a different learning environment to what you were used to at school. Some FE colleges even have classes later in the evening to try and suit all learners.
The environment within an FE college is generally more adult-like, where students take responsibility for themselves and their learning. FE colleges tend to be slightly more relaxed when comparing them with school sixth forms, and students usually address their teachers on a first name basis.
On the other hand, sixth form colleges can be somewhat in between a typical FE college and a school sixth form. Sixth form colleges are typically more informal than school sixth forms and they often provide a wider range of courses when compared to them too.
However, they are similar to school sixth forms in the way that only students aged 16 to 19 can study there. When looking at the size of each type of institution, FE colleges and sixth form colleges tend to be larger than school sixth forms. As previously mentioned, school sixth forms and sixth form colleges provide academic education to students who are between the ages of 16 and On the contrary, FE colleges provide academic and vocational education to anyone above the age of 16 who wishes to study there.
Therefore, the students around you will vary depending on the type of FE institution that you choose to study at. Colleges may tend to be more informal, or more relaxed, but student work is more independent, and students must be self-sufficient in order to progress. At a college, you tend to meet students who are on a range of different courses which could mean that your timetables could be completely opposite, and you may only see each other two days a week.
One of the first things you may notice when searching FE options is that most FE colleges offer a wider range of courses when compared to school sixth forms and sixth form colleges. Most colleges offer A-levels, similar to school sixth forms, but they also offer other qualifications at a variety of levels including vocational courses; here is a brief rundown of the levels of qualifications that are typically available at most colleges:.
School sixth forms tend to offer an extensive list of A-level qualifications for students to choose from; ranging from Modern Languages to Chemistry. Students are usually required to pick 3 A-levels and one AS-level with the choice of carrying on their AS to A-levels.
AS-levels are only studied for the duration of one year, whereas A-levels are studied over the course of two years. Sixth form colleges typically offer a wider range of study options than a sixth form, but these options can vary by institution. So, one of the first things that you may notice when looking at FE options is that timetables can vary. Some young people will enjoy life in a small, close-knit community; others will relish the diversity of friendship groups offered by larger numbers.
Some schools strictly enforce attendance, insisting pupils remain securely on site throughout the school day; others treat them as responsible young adults, allowing them to sign in and out if they have a free period.
Some parents prefer one, some the other. Obviously, well-equipped laboratories, ample up to date and well-maintained computer equipment and helpful support staff are all an advantage. Good, well-stocked library facilities are particularly important for sixth form study. Are there sufficient quiet work spaces, in the library or elsewhere? This is particularly important where the attendance policy requires students to remain on site all day, as they need somewhere in the school not only to study silently, but also to eat, drink, talk, make and develop friendships, as well as do group work and discussions.
A comfortable Sixth Form area promotes social opportunities — this is particularly important if your child is starting a new school and wishes to make friends more widely, not just within their subjects.
Are there other signs of a happy social life in the school? For instance, are there Sixth Form fundraising programmes or other collaborative efforts?
Does the school do anything to encourage this? In addition, some schools monitor students far more tightly in Sixth Form than in Key Stages 3 and 4, with regular, frequent close inspections of folders and workbooks.
Students can be overwhelmed by all this, when added to the other stresses of being a teenager in the 21st century, and mental health problems are increasing in this age group, including depression and self-harm. What does the school offer in addition to the invaluable peer support available from friends in the Sixth Form area to identify and help with these and other problems? Do pupils have close relationships with a pastoral tutor?
Is there a school counsellor available, and how easy is it to get an appointment? Are these offered or supported? Are there opportunities for music, drama or other cultural activities? Or are students expected to engage in these only outside of school? Are sports or other physical activities available for sixth-formers in school? Are there clubs and societies for them? Do you see evidence of regular performances, sports fixtures, participation in competitions?
Of the students who start Year 12, how many complete their studies in Year 13? Some schools are positioning themselves as university preparation centres, with selective entry requirements and curricula specifically designed to meet criteria for university entrance criteria. Other schools see their goal as to enable young people in their locality to achieve the best educational outcomes possible, whatever they may be. Some institutions have been established specifically to strengthen the local workforce in terms of immediate employability and bolster local business.
Which is most appropriate for your child? What support does the school offer? Is there a programme designed to help students through the university application process, from selecting appropriate courses at appropriate higher education institutions, through to writing a convincing personal statement?
Does anyone arrange university interview practice sessions? What kind of guidance is available? Is guidance offered proactively or only in response to requests? Is there a programme for developing awareness of alternative careers, eg regular speakers from different industries and sectors?
Is there a programme designed to assist students with letter-writing, completing application forms, and developing interview skills? For primary and secondary schooling, most parents prioritise location, for practical purposes.
By the age of 16, however, most young people are capable of travelling independently by bus, bike or moped, and distance may no longer be such a key factor. Looking slightly further afield may have benefits which outweigh the extra burden of travel. Consider the psychological repercussions of staying put versus moving to a new place. Sometimes a clean start can be helpful, sometimes intimidating. How does the school or college help new students to integrate?
It may be easier to move to a sixth form college where everyone is new and in the same boat, than to move to a school with established social grouping. That said, there is often significant change in friendship groups in the sixth form anyway, as timetabling and subject specialism bring different sets of young people together.
These are seasonal events usually running between September and January so they may not appear out of season. Want to add your Sixth Form open day? Get in touch! This means the subjects which are the basic building blocks often required for entrance to a range of different courses. For instance, Maths is a facilitating subject: on the whole, A Level Maths is required for degrees in Economics or Psychology, for example, whereas A Levels in Economics and Psychology are not.
Entry requirements: In addition to their general entry requirements, sixth forms will generally set a subject-specific requirement.
Deadline for applications: It is still possible to apply to sixth forms after the stated deadline has passed but it is advisable to apply in time, so that your particular combination of subjects can be taken into consideration if the school is using application data to set its option blocks for the timetable.
This is particularly important if you are applying for a less popular subject: your application may influence whether the subject is even offered, or whether you can take it in combination with your other choices.
On-time applicants will normally take priority over late applicants if, for example, places are limited due to lack of lab bench space or other facilities. It is possible to apply to more than one institution and this may be prudent if you are worried you might not achieve the grades for one, or that another might not actually run your subject.
Pupils have to complete and write up a project of their own choosing. This can be anything under the sun. Most simply research a question and write an extended essay with an impressive bibliography; but it is quite acceptable to make a film, produce an artefact, build a model, write a computer program etc, so long as the student thoroughly documents and writes up the process.
This is regarded as a valuable introduction to independent study as a preparation for university. Missed the Open Evening? Most will be happy to oblige. Minimum entry requirements: 8 GCSEs or equivalent , with at least grade 4 in five subjects including English and Maths. Class sizes: Average is low teens but small classes still run eg students in Spanish, Music. Their aim is to be as inclusive as possible to enable everyone to achieve their best.
The school goes to extra lengths to accommodate a very wide range of courses relative to its size, to ensure that there is something for everyone, even when numbers are small. Read on to explore its history, culture and some of the top locations you simply cannot miss. And part of that process involves writing a personal statement. Sixth Form vs College. Sixth Form vs College by Katherine Hanrahan. In the UK there are three types of institutions that provide further education.
What is the difference between sixth form and college? These are usually attached to a secondary school. Colleges: Colleges usually offer what's called vocational courses. These courses are very hands-on and practical, like cooking or uniform services, and will sometimes be in the form of apprenticeships.
What is Sixth Form like? What is College like? The Final Verdict There is no straight answer about which is better, because when it comes to Sixth Form or College, it's up to you and what environment you will best learn in.
Universities don't prefer one or the other. In fact, both can lead to university as long as you put in the hard work and get the grades you need.
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