Choosing to Study GCSE’s at a college rather than in a
traditional school setting, may seem like an unorthodox and potentially risky
path to take. Staying where you are and completing your GCSE’s just seems like
the most sensible and safe route for many.
However, as we learn more and more about the multiplicity of learning styles,
the one size fits all approach of traditional schools is becoming increasingly
tired in the eyes of many students and their families.
This is where independent colleges can play a crucial role. Many students
across the country will choose to attend institutions like these to study
A-Levels. However, many of these colleges also offer intensive and
comprehensive GCSE courses which more and more students are taking advantage
of. Yet these courses at independent colleges are still somewhat of a hidden
gem for students who do not fit the mould of the traditional school setting.
But what are the pragmatic benefits of studying GCSE’s at an
independent college? We discussed with a leading independent college in London,
Ashbourne College, about some of the factors that can make for a highly
enjoyable, and most importantly impactful, educational experience.
1. Fresh Environment
Many students remain at their secondary school all the way
from Year 7 (11 years old) to Year 11 (16 years old) or even Year 13 (18 years
old!). Five years is an extremely long time to be in the same place every day,
often being taught by the same teachers. Students are an entirely different
person at 15 then they were when they first joined. I am sure many parents have
had the experience of their child missing a deadline or performing poorly early
on in their secondary school tenure, for which they are then profiled and
pigeonholed for the rest of their studies.
This situation does not help students develop. Moving to a college for GCSE’s
allows students to make a fresh start, leaving behind any silly mistakes they
made whilst adjusting to secondary school life, with teachers who truly want
them to succeed in the most important stage of their education.
2. Small class sizes
We have all had experiences of secondary school classes that
are at absolute maximum capacity with 30 students crammed into one room. It can
be hard to see the board/screen, difficult to get the teacher’s attention and
is simply an ineffective learning environment overall.
At a private college, class sizes are kept small, often not
more than 10 students. This means that all students are fully engaged in the
lesson and no one is left behind. The individual attention that teachers are
subsequently able to provide to students is also essential to enabling students
to gain the very top grades in their examinations. If your student is not one
to pick concepts up instantly without support (as most are not) this kind of
setting is absolutely key.
3. Focussed Teaching
The fact that colleges are entirely focussed on success in
GCSE and A-Level examinations means that teachers’ time and knowledge is
dedicated entirely on the specifications for these exams. Their knowledge of
the courses will be more in depth than teachers who are stretched to teach Year
7, Year 8 and Year 9 as well as GCSE’s.
In colleges, students are taught to the exam from day one, which is the most
effective method for students who are coasting at a ‘B’ grade, who want to
access the very top A and A* grades. Overall, this means better lessons, more
focussed advice and greater success in exams.
4. Mature Cohort
When studying GCSE’s at college, students go from being one
of the oldest students in the setting to being one of the youngest. Whilst this
can be daunting at first, having older students around them means they have
many to look up to. There will always be a student in Year 13 who is interested
in the same subjects as them who can provide advice on tricky things like
university applications and revision techniques.
Colleges also often have an extensive mentoring programme,
in which Year 13 students are paired with younger students for homework
support. An older cohort also means better student behaviour and less
disturbances. Students can remain focussed and get things done. Overall, a
cohort of students ranging from 15 to 18/19 simply creates an environment that
is more conducive to learning and achievement, particularly for students who
struggle with distractions in a larger school environment.
5. Guaranteed entry
into sixth form
Colleges such as Ashbourne, who offer GCSE and A-Level
courses will often offer guaranteed entry from GCSE’s into A-Levels. Many
larger private secondary schools have very strict entry requirements for
students looking to stay on for A-Levels. It could be argued that this is because the
larger schools do not have faith in their ability to improve their students'
grades if they do not perform really well at GCSE.
Ashbourne’s statistics for grade improvement are some of the
best in the country and, as a result, they are able to commit to students and
guarantee them a place in their sixth form for A-Levels. On average, students
studying there will improve their grades by 1.5 levels, meaning if a student
does not achieve their desired grades
right away, they will very likely improve by the time they leave. The attitude
is, therefore, the earlier they join, the more they will improve.
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