Top tips to help you make an informed choice about college
The battle between colleges and universities has been going on for years and doesn’t seem to be ending any time soon. But it’s tricky to know the truth unless you’ve been to both. Bath College debunks some of the myths about colleges that just aren’t true Myth 1 - College is just vocational This is far from true with many colleges offering a wide range of academic and specialist courses including undergraduate degrees so you can do the degree without the debt. Bath College courses include art and design, photography, business, hospitality and catering, hair and beauty, complementary therapy, health and social care, IT, media, music and sport – something for everyone.
Myth 2 - I want to go to university so I need to study A Levels Many of Bath’s full-time courses offer UCAS points so you can specialise in your subject before getting to university. This means you have a stronger understanding of your chosen subject before you arrive ready to take on your degree. Bath College provides vocational and academic courses in a wide range of subjects and can help you to find a suitable course to make sure you have the knowledge and skills for a successful life after education, enabling you to be the best you can be.
Myth 3 - The teaching standard isn’t as high as at school In the 2018 Ofsted report Bath College was graded ‘good’ with inspectors noting the high-quality, industrystandard facilities spread across both campuses and commented students work well with college staff to create a culture that is warm and welcoming. As the largest provider of apprenticeships in Bath, the college also offers excellent opportunities for young people to earn and learn on the job. Myth 4 - The location of colleges is often out of the way and inconvenient Bath College’s city centre campus gives students the opportunity to be in the middle of Bath’s vibrant atmosphere, which is easily accessible from Bristol, Wiltshire and the surrounding areas. They also have the option to work at Somer Valley Campus which was formerly Norton Radstock College. This is based in the picturesque Somerset countryside where students study arboriculture, animal care, veterinary nursing and motor vehicle maintenance. Somer Valley is also home to the Somer Construction Centre which caters for 500 students and apprentices studying bricklaying, construction, carpentry and stonemasonry, as well as plumbing, electrical installation and refrigeration. Colleges aren’t just what they seem and could be perfect for you this September. You just have to look beyond the rumours and myths. These are just some of the perks of attending a college...
You experience a change of environment It’s a great opportunity to make new friends You are treated like an adult You can specialise in something you’re passionate about as an alternative to studying numerous subjects Courses are taught by industry experts in their field combining theory with practical study All courses offer opportunities to move into employment or further study Colleges work closely with local businesses so are great for work experience
If you are looking for a college to attend, Bath, with its above national average success rates, makes an ideal stepping stone for your career path. You can enrol at Bath College from August 23 to 29 at City Centre Campus and on August 30 and 31 at Somer Valley Campus. You can apply on the day if you haven’t already, just make sure you bring along your results and ID. The welcome team will help you register and tell you how the day works before you leave with your goody bag and student ID card. You are welcome to bring a parent or a friend along with you.