College shares a glimpse of
As hundreds of young people mark the end of their school-life and prepare to take their first steps towards independence, Sunderland College is sharing a glimpse of what a future in further education holds.
“Leaving school is a huge step. For many, it’s a liberating time – the start of adult life.
“For others, it can be rather more daunting – a big new world opening up in front of them and young people are suddenly faced with making decisions that may shape the rest of their lives,” says Ellen Thinnesen, principal at Sunderland College, which is set to welcome thousands of new students this September.
“At Sunderland College, we really are about creating a student experience that suits the individual.
“For those who desire independence and take the reins themselves, they can do that. For others, who need a more supportive environment, we can deliver that too.
“We like to think that we offer a perfect blend – a middle ground between school and work or university, and ultimately our focus is on providing an education that sets people on a pathway to realising what they are capable of, and giving them the right support to achieve that.”
The college, which delivers both A-Level and technical vocational courses, is one of the largest providers in the North East.
With a 99% pass rate for the last eight years, it’s easy to see why so many young people from not only Sunderland, but miles around flock to Sunderland College. “We have strength and depth,” says Ellen. “The range of courses we offer, coupled with the fantastic support services and student experience we offer has established us as a college with universal appeal.
“We strive to be the best and that is why the young people who study with us leave as confident, well-rounded, and work-ready individuals, who will go on to make highly-prized employees – their time with us transforms them.”
The college offers two routes for young people leaving school – an academic pathway for people who are keen to stick to more theorybased study, delivered from its Sunderland Sixth Form at Bede Campus, and a technical offer, which is primarily run from the college’s City Campus, at the heart of the city centre.
“We offer an incredible learning environment.
“I honestly believe that the college’s campuses are among the most impressive facilities in the region, and not only have they helped raise aspirations, but they have raised the bar in terms of educational provision in the North East,” explains Ellen, who oversaw the completion of the £29million City Campus, which opened its doors last September.
One of the students who has benefitted from the college’s facilities, teaching and support is Adam Lowery.
Adam, who studied at Monkwearmouth School, completed his A Levels with the college in 2013, and has gone on to achieve a First Class degree in Chemistry from Newcastle University.
Adam chose an academic route, completing A Levels in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, which he felt best suited his own learning style.
“Sunderland College was really good,” says Adam, who hopes to go on to study for a PHD in the next academic year.
“The best part of studying at the college was definitely staff. I really can’t fault them, and I still keep in touch with the them, especially my physics tutor who was a fantastic support during my time as a student.
“Sunderland College equipped me really well for university. It definitely helped me develop my ability to learn independently and to manage my time effectively, which has been essential at university.”
Adam hopes that his First Class degree will allow him to pursue a PHD at Newcastle University, but has also been offered a place with Durham University, meaning his pathway to a successful career is well on course.
However, not every student wants a bookbased experience, and for those seeking a more hands-on style of learning, technical courses and apprenticeships offer something different.
From courses like barbering and travel and tourism, to apprenticeship programmes in engineering and business administration, the college offers a broad choice of courses – over 100, in fact.
Kelsey Richardson, 22, is one such person, who was keen to follow a more technical route into the world of work.
“Hands-on has always been a better way of learning for me, so an apprenticeship was always going to be right for me.