Help For Teens - Connexions County Durham

So you're thinking about going to sixth form or college to get more qualifications!

• where are you going to study?
• what qualifications do you want to get?
• what are you going to do with them?

It can be very confusing and there are lots of things to consider!

1. Where to study?

Choosing where to study isn't easy.  Here are some points to consider:

Sixth Form

For

• familiar surroundings, teachers and friends - you won't waste time settling in
• teachers know your strengths and weaknesses
• likely to be nearer home

Against

• size
• number of courses may be limited
• more of the same
• no wage*

FE College

For

• usually offers a wider range of courses than school - both vocational and academic
• learning with adults and young people
• tutors can concentrate on post 16 subjects

Against

• size
• may have further to travel
• need to take more responsibility for own learning
• time needed to settle in
• new tutors and friends
• no wage*

Sixth Form College

For

• specialist college for 16 - 18 year olds
• wide range of subjects
• teachers can concentrate on post 16 subjects

Against

• size
• time needed to make new friends
• new tutors
• expected to take more responsiblity for own learning
• no wage *

*Check whether you may be entitled to an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)!

2. What qualifications do you want?

Well that depends on a number of things:

• what kind of job you want
• what subjects you like
• what methods of learning you like
• what qualifications the 6th form or college you want to go to offer

Explore the 'Qualifications' section to find out more about the different kinds of qualifications.

Check out the County Durham Area Wide Prospectus for provider contact details and information on courses.

Use the links below to search for more information on qualifications and where you can do them.

3. What are you going to do after sixth form or college?

Try to think and plan for your future.

Do you have a job in mind?

Yes ...

... then use the Connexions Careers library in school or your local Connexions Centre to find out what qualifications you need.  You could also use the Careerscape computer program in school to print out information on jobs.

No ...

... then use the Kudos computer program in school or your local Connexions Centre to give you some ideas.  Ask for your school's password and user ID to use the program online anywhere there is Internet access.  You can use it free in public libraries or your local full time Connexions Centre.

Talk to your Connexions Personal Adviser and then use the Connexions Careers library in school to get more information.