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My first hand experience of post 16 education

In primary education we are all lectured and disciplined to a strict regime, told how to write, what will be expected as we move further into our education and, by older students, told harsh stories about the perils of high school. The transition from primary education to high school education, for me, was a daunting one. The thing is, there was no need to be nervous, all was fine and for 5 years, I accomplished and succeeded in high school, achieving the grades I needed to transition to higher education, as is the case with many children fearing the transition.

Then, again, expectations were highlighted and perilous myths about college were spoken, this time a fear of college. Due to this anxiety, and a mixture of the success rates of Hemsworth Arts and Community Academies post 16, and a best friend’s influence- I chose to stay in sixth form education.

I’m now in my second year at Hemsworth Academy, and I feel it is time to tell you all the truth of my college experience.

Although by now, my fashion sense has probably gone beyond the conventional, at the start of my AS year in September 2012, the only significant, noticeable quality about me was an evident passion for sock fashion! This really showed one of the reasons I had chosen the sixth form at Hemsworth, I was still very much undecided about my life direction and I needed the guidance and support of experienced teachers with small class sizes, to enable me to achieve to the best of my ability. The enrollment day, which involved singular interviews for each subject, brought to light how passionate the whole sixth form staffs were about wanting their students to achieve. I was immediately content at this prospect.

I decided on four subjects at AS level- English Literature, Food Technology, Religious Studies and History. It is at this point, I knew I wanted to pursue a career centered on writing and research.

In the following year, I realised how demanding A level education was, but this complex situation was remedied with the quality education the teachers at Hemsworth Academy give to all their students, equally. So whatever clothing choices you make, hair styles you choose or societal popularity, the teachers in post 16 always strive for achievement and a joint need to better their students, whatever background. This did one thing personally for me, it made me feel like I could relax and be myself, and in doing this; I was able to really concentrate on achieving the best of my ability, and more, at post 16.

If I was asked my advice on whether to stay in post 16 education or go to an outside college, I would surprisingly say I could not possibly answer. It is a subjective choice that is down to the feelings, needs and personality of the individual. For me though, post 16 is the perfect way for me to achieve my best and succeed in higher education.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Thomas Richardson .