Sixth Form or College?

I’ve been really stressed recently about making the wrong choice on places to study my a-levels - either a new college or my school’s sixth form. I want to study English Literature and Language, Psychology and French. I really want the experience of a new environment and to make new friends but the college only does English Literature, of which consists of books that seem overly complicated such as ‘The Merchant’s Tale’, ‘Antony and Cleopatra’, ‘Doctor Faustus’ and ‘Jane Eyre’ alongside lots of poems. Attending this college would also require me to return home at around 5:45pm every night of which is nearly 3 hours later than my other school- limiting my chances of getting a job too.

However, the English course at my current school offers books I am more interested in such as ‘The Great Gatsby’, ‘The Handmaids Tale’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ with the component involving poems being the smallest. Yet, none of my current friends (nor my best friend since primary school) are staying on at my school and are all going to separate colleges. Also, I have been eager to have that fresh start since the beginning of year 11 and I want to meet new people, but at what cost? If I was to do the English Literature course at the college, I do not think my grades would necessarily struggle yet I cannot see myself having a drive to read and revise books that give me no interest.

So, what do I do? Do I get the fresh start I really crave and just push through the course even if I know I won’t like it? Or do I stay at my schools sixth form with no friends?

I need to decide by Thursday (help)

Reply 1

DerDracologe

Study Forum Helper

I was in a similar situation deciding between sixth forms earlier this year and found it helpful to make a weighted pros and cons list where i noted down everything i knew about each school in two separate tables and then assigned weighting of 3,2,1,-1,-2 or -3 points then I worked out the average scores. I found that i was getting stuck on only a few factors without considering other things and it really helped me. Best of luck for Thursday, Im super nervous!

Reply 2

amydrury08

Original post by DerDracologe

Thank you! I’ve made pros and cons lists but just can’t seem to decide which pros are more important to me. I’m thinking of just doing a week at college and then reviewing how I feel about the courses then (hopefully I’ll actually love them ahahaha). Good luck to you too though!

Reply 3

fayebarnard06

Personally, I would stick to your sixth form. In terms of succeeding academically a sixth form is a lot more structured in your learning, whereas a college is a lot more laid back. I have friends that went to college and found that some days their teachers wouldn't turn up to college and were left to do the work by themselves, which impacted their learning as they weren't caught up to speed in time for exams. Whilst college may give you more independence, sixth forms have similar routines to secondary schools meaning that your in school pretty much everyday which can keep you motivated. Similarly, the teachers at your sixth form will probably be familiar with you, which makes it easier when learning as they understand what works best for you, whereas college teachers are a lot less interested in you personally and expect the students to follow with their learning style. In terms of friends, my friend group completely changed when I started sixth form (some left and some just drifted apart). You find that the people who do the same subjects with you usually become your friends as you might be asked to do group projects ect. You may find that you might have new students join from other schools, around 30-40 new people joined mine and they all fit in well. Finally, in regards to your English course guide, go for the one that interests you most! I have just done an English lit and lang A-level and found that you are best at doing books that you enjoy as you will be more passionate and creative when writing essays and joining class discussions. I hope it works out for you whatever you choose!