RESEARCHING STUDY OPTIONS
Your child might decide to continue their education in the sixth form of their current school. However, if they want to explore alternatives, looking at school and college websites and sending off for prospectuses will help you and your child get a picture of the courses available and the culture and approach of different institutions. However, the best way to get a feel for whether a school or college is right for your child is to see it for yourselves at an open event. These can take place in the evening or daytime, and schools / colleges will advertise the dates on their websites. Some may offer more than one date.
You can support your child by offering to help them with their research, helping them to think of questions to ask at open events, and going along to the events with them.
SIXTH FORM OR COLLEGE?
Sixth forms and further education colleges tend to have different cultures and teaching approaches. At a school sixth form students may still have to wear uniform, attend assemblies and work to a structured timetable. Further education colleges tend to be less formal and expect students to take more responsibility for their learning. Sixth form colleges( not attached to a school) are often a middle ground between the two. Encourage your child to think about what suits them and their learning style. Do they like the idea of staying in a familiar and more structured setting, with teachers and classmates they know, or do they feel ready for a bit more independence – and if so, have they got the self-discipline and maturity to thrive in a college environment?
SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD MAKING THE MOST OF OPEN EVENTS
BOOK EARLY It’ s worth going along to open events as soon as you can during Year 11, as it will help your child to make up their mind about what to do next. Next September may seem a long way away, but the time will pass quickly during this busy year. Many schools and colleges hold open events in the autumn and spring terms for courses starting the following September.
DO SOME RESEARCH BEFOREHAND Encourage your child to explore the school / college website or prospectus before the visit, and suggest they think about any questions they’ d like to ask. Do the same yourself. As well as looking at the courses on offer, it’ s also a good idea to consider practicalities such as how your child would get to the school / college, how long the journey would take every day and how much it would cost, as this will all contribute to their decision. If you are given a programme or guide when you arrive on the day, have a quick look through it together straight away to make sure you don’ t miss anything.
GET INVOLVED The open event is likely to include activities such as talks, tours and‘ hands-on’ introductory practical sessions in different subject areas. Encourage your child to get involved so that they gain as much information as possible and get a feel for the place.
TALK TO STAFF AND STUDENTS You’ ll have the chance to ask staff any questions you have about the courses and facilities on offer. Encourage your child to talk directly to staff too.
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