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Grammer 6th form vs college 6th form?

Poll

Which do you think is better?

So It's coming close to the time where I have to have applied to colleges and I literally have no idea what to do. All my friends are pretty laid back about this and aren't really bothered whilst I'm researching literally everyday.
I'm finding it difficult on deciding. I know it may seem early but I want to get this out the way.

I'm really interested in grammar 6th forms. They have amazing extra curricular regarding music and performing arts. I've heard they are very academic and really good. However 6th form colleges seem like real fun to. They seem less strict and have more freedom. I like the idea of going to a grammar but I like the idea of going to a college too. Also I feel like If I go to a grammar I will have more guidance whereas If I go to a college 6th form I'll be treated more like an adult and I'm not really ready for that. I still want that 'high school' atmosphere however I still want a sense of more independence and freedom.
As you can see I'm really undecided and would value your opinions. Based off of your own experiences and in general, what type of 6th form do you think is better? A grammar 6th form or a college 6th form? :s-smilie:

(Also, if you know what are the main difference between a fee- paying grammar school and a non-fee paying grammar school? Are the fee-paying grammar schools worth it?)

Thankyouu soo much!! x :h::biggrin::tongue:
(edited 6 years ago)
I went to a college instead of a grammar and found it less strict than school which was nice, the people at the grammar don't seem to know many good memes either.

I have nothing to complain about the sixth form because I got good grades.
I've just started at a college 6th form.
You are treated more independently, but it's still like high school in the sense you have forms, homework, and rules of course. We still have rules like you're not meant to sit on the corridors etc.
We're allowed to wear what we want, which I really like. There's 2000 students, but obviously not everyone is in at the same time. There's a really good library, compared to the school ones which are really bad. There's also lots of seats, and quiet study areas.
I actually found that there's more extra-curriculars with college. I'm signing up to raise money for a school in India, and I'm also doing Law mock trials, and debating. There's also music clubs, drama clubs, things like chess, comics etc.

The downside is of course that you're not as close, as there's so many of you, that you'll only really know the people in your lessons, and extra-curriculars. But then again there is opportunity to move to a different class if you don't like yours. You also have a more grown up relation with your teachers, as you call them by their first name. People are more mature too, as there's no annoying Year 7s or 8s.
Original post by LlamaLikeEllie
I've just started at a college 6th form.
You are treated more independently, but it's still like high school in the sense you have forms, homework, and rules of course. We still have rules like you're not meant to sit on the corridors etc.
We're allowed to wear what we want, which I really like. There's 2000 students, but obviously not everyone is in at the same time. There's a really good library, compared to the school ones which are really bad. There's also lots of seats, and quiet study areas.
I actually found that there's more extra-curriculars with college. I'm signing up to raise money for a school in India, and I'm also doing Law mock trials, and debating. There's also music clubs, drama clubs, things like chess, comics etc.

The downside is of course that you're not as close, as there's so many of you, that you'll only really know the people in your lessons, and extra-curriculars. But then again there is opportunity to move to a different class if you don't like yours. You also have a more grown up relation with your teachers, as you call them by their first name. People are more mature too, as there's no annoying Year 7s or 8s.


Thankyou this help s a lot! and haha lol you're right about the 'annoying yr 7s and 8s.'
Btw in colleges, ive heard you don't get much guidance and the teachers aren't that dedicated. I know this doesn't really apply to all colleges but based on your experiances do you think this is true? Thanks again x:biggrin:
If this is a feasible option, I personally suggest fee-paying schools, as I am only in GCSE I don't have a full grasp of everything, however the classes in a fee-paying school are about 1/2 or even 1/3 of the size of high school or grammar school classes. It's entirely up to you however go the best place for your education. But here are my rankings:
TOP
Fee-Paying Private
Grammar School
Comprehensive School
College (I think colleges are better if you are going on to more practical subjects)
BOTTOM
Original post by samhendrie
If this is a feasible option, I personally suggest fee-paying schools, as I am only in GCSE I don't have a full grasp of everything, however the classes in a fee-paying school are about 1/2 or even 1/3 of the size of high school or grammar school classes. It's entirely up to you however go the best place for your education. But here are my rankings:
TOP
Fee-Paying Private
Grammar School
Comprehensive School
College (I think colleges are better if you are going on to more practical subjects)
BOTTOM


Thankyou! Just out of curiosity, what year are you in? :tongue:
Original post by Faeeza.Ifti
Thankyou! Just out of curiosity, what year are you in? :tongue:


Year 10, I know you probably won't listen to my advice but I have been researching this year because I am dead set on moving to a grammar or private sixth form. The best advice I can give is go somewhere where you can do the courses you want and do not settle for anything less!
Original post by samhendrie
Year 10, I know you probably won't listen to my advice but I have been researching this year because I am dead set on moving to a grammar or private sixth form. The best advice I can give is go somewhere where you can do the courses you want and do not settle for anything less!


Lol I don't mind what year you're in- advise is advise. What private 6th form do you have your eye set on? Also how are you finding year 10? :wink:
Original post by Faeeza.Ifti
Thankyou this help s a lot! and haha lol you're right about the 'annoying yr 7s and 8s.'
Btw in colleges, ive heard you don't get much guidance and the teachers aren't that dedicated. I know this doesn't really apply to all colleges but based on your experiances do you think this is true? Thanks again x:biggrin:


I don't think it's true at all. I think a lot of people get mixed up with vocational colleges, and 6th form colleges. If you go to a 6th form college, it can be just as academic as a school 6th form.

My brother went to the college before me, and he got lots of help. Most teachers will stay behind and explain things, and the teachers always respond to emails, and will help you out if you're unsure on anything. I'm doing French, and we actually get an extra hour a week just to practice the speaking exam. Also, if you have learning difficulties, you get 1:1 support, which I know helps a lot of people out :smile:
Original post by LlamaLikeEllie
I don't think it's true at all. I think a lot of people get mixed up with vocational colleges, and 6th form colleges. If you go to a 6th form college, it can be just as academic as a school 6th form.

My brother went to the college before me, and he got lots of help. Most teachers will stay behind and explain things, and the teachers always respond to emails, and will help you out if you're unsure on anything. I'm doing French, and we actually get an extra hour a week just to practice the speaking exam. Also, if you have learning difficulties, you get 1:1 support, which I know helps a lot of people out :smile:


Oh cool! Thanks for your help x:biggrin:
Original post by Faeeza.Ifti
So It's coming close to the time where I have to have applied to colleges and I literally have no idea what to do. All my friends are pretty laid back about this and aren't really bothered whilst I'm researching literally everyday.
I'm finding it difficult on deciding. I know it may seem early but I want to get this out the way.

I'm really interested in grammar 6th forms. They have amazing extra curricular regarding music and performing arts. I've heard they are very academic and really good. However 6th form colleges seem like real fun to. They seem less strict and have more freedom. I like the idea of going to a grammar but I like the idea of going to a college too. Also I feel like If I go to a grammar I will have more guidance whereas If I go to a college 6th form I'll be treated more like an adult and I'm not really ready for that. I still want that 'high school' atmosphere however I still want a sense of more independence and freedom.
As you can see I'm really undecided and would value your opinions. Based off of your own experiences and in general, what type of 6th form do you think is better? A grammar 6th form or a college 6th form? :s-smilie:

(Also, if you know what are the main difference between a fee- paying grammar school and a non-fee paying grammar school? Are the fee-paying grammar schools worth it?)

Thankyouu soo much!! x :h::biggrin::tongue:


I'm in year 11 in a state-funded (not private at all in any way shape or form) grammar school, and my school's sixth form is my second choice after a college with more faculties which is closer to my house. I want to leave because I want a change in environment, and, for the record, all 6 of the Grammar schools in my LA are state schools. Many of them have taken a dip in A-level results as a lot of focus goes to GCSE students are there as more of them etc. However, Grammar School Sixth forms are quite a small community, which enables you to get closer to people and you tend to have smaller classes especially in non-science/maths classes (incidentally, my school has a Science and Maths specialism so maybe that's why those classes are bigger). E.g. 2 students took AS music and 1 student is getting 1 on 1 tutoring for A-Level. And although their "stricter" there is also a much better behavior output and presentation. Having to wear Business Dress is also a good habit to get into if you're considering one. A college is a very different environment, but they tend to offer more courses if you want to do BTECs or the IB (I only know private grammars which offer IB).

At the end of the day, the courses are the same, teaching methods are pretty similar, so is it's all about the kind of environment you want to be in.

Spoiler

Original post by Faeeza.Ifti
Oh cool! Thanks for your help x:biggrin:


Original post by Thrillanthropist
I'm in year 11 in a state-funded (not private at all in any way shape or form) grammar school, and my school's sixth form is my second choice after a college with more faculties which is closer to my house. I want to leave because I want a change in environment, and, for the record, all 6 of the Grammar schools in my LA are state schools. Many of them have taken a dip in A-level results as a lot of focus goes to GCSE students are there as more of them etc. However, Grammar School Sixth forms are quite a small community, which enables you to get closer to people and you tend to have smaller classes especially in non-science/maths classes (incidentally, my school has a Science and Maths specialism so maybe that's why those classes are bigger). E.g. 2 students took AS music and 1 student is getting 1 on 1 tutoring for A-Level. And although their "stricter" there is also a much better behavior output and presentation. Having to wear Business Dress is also a good habit to get into if you're considering one. A college is a very different environment, but they tend to offer more courses if you want to do BTECs or the IB (I only know private grammars which offer IB).

At the end of the day, the courses are the same, teaching methods are pretty similar, so is it's all about the kind of environment you want to be in.

Spoiler




Thanks for your advice! and yh I'm going to do A levels and I prefer the 'stricter' environment. I think I might go to a grammar school since it has smaller classes and there's probably more guidance whereas in colleges you're treated more like adults -not that that's a bad thing but I just don't prefer that.
And I know not all grammar schools are private. In the poll I said which is better, public schools or private. academy grammar schools are basically public schools. I asked it because I was just wondering what people think is better. Private fee paying grammar schools or public schools (whether they're non paying grammar schools or just schools in general) I mainly asked it because I wanted to know if fee- paying schools are worth it. Since I'm looking to go to either stockport grammar (private) or sale grammar (non private) when it comes to grammar school options.

Also I realised that 'grammar' was spelt wrong in the title before but I can't exactly edit the title.:smile: Don't blame me, blame auto correct! lol :p::colondollar:
(edited 6 years ago)

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