The future looks bright with Stockton Sixth Form College

STOCKTON SIXTH FORM COLLEGE ENSURES EVERY STUDENT PROGRESSES ON THE RIGHT PATH TOWARDS THEIR NEXT DESTINATION. TWO STUDENTS TELL US MORE

AT every step of the learning journey, Stockton Sixth Form College has its student’s welfare at the heart of everything it does.

And when this learning journey nears to an end, the sixth form college ensures every student progresses to the correct destination. Whether it be furthering their studies at university, entering employment or enrolling on an apprenticeship scheme, SSFC supports its students every step of the way.

From when students first enrol on their chosen course, the sixth form college, part of Tees Valley Collaborative Trust, works with them to develop an onward progression route. This helps the college to tailor their programme of study to ensure students will leave with the correct qualifications to suit their career goal.

Michelle Sugden, Deputy Faculty Manager at Stockton Sixth Form College, said: “Two years at college passes quickly and there are a wide range of progression options available to students, so it is important that they are supported to make the right choices for themselves.”

The college’s careers programme is delivered through weekly tutorial sessions where a personal tutor is assigned as a pastoral link to each student. Through 1-2-1 discussions they will identify students who require further guidance from the college’s in-house careers adviser.

A range of activities are delivered via the tutorial programme throughout the year and this is further supported by careers based activities including guest speakers and workplace visits at subject level. Students are encouraged to explore different options available to them and discussions are initiated by teachers and tutors who share their own personal career paths with students to inspire them to think about their own future.

Michelle said: “Towards the end of year 12, students undertake the college’s employability program which allows them to self-assess their own skills against those required by employers, as well as researching availability of careers using local labour market information. Once a progression route is decided upon, students are then supported to complete their UCAS application or register to apply for Apprenticeships.”

In the summer term, the college hosts its own Careers fair, welcoming universities, employers and training providers as well as offering a trip for students to attend a UCAS exhibition for those students looking further afield. A parent information night is held to provide parents looking to support their son/daughter with all the information they could need.

By the time students enter year 13, the majority have a clear plan for their onward destination, allowing them to finalise applications, and their tutor will then write their references.

Getting applications completed ahead of the deadline allows students to focus on their studies.

Principal, Asma Shaffi, said:

“This year, our students have secured many varied destinations and we are enormously proud of each and every student and look forward to watching their careers develop over the coming years. Students should be rightly proud of their achievements, and the incredible destinations they have secured through their hard work, commitment and dedication to their studies. Many of our students are the first in their family to go to university which is truly inspiring.”

“Our college is one of the best in the country in ensuring that all its students leave with a meaningful destination. Two thirds of our students continue to go to universities for higher education and the remaining either embark on apprenticeships or employment.”

FUTURE NURSE GRACE FOUNTAIN

SSFC student Grace Fountain has been offered a place at Teesside University to study Child Nursing.

The 18-year-old from Thornaby is currently studying Biology, Psychology and Health &

Social Care and has always wanted to work with young people.

The former Ian Ramsey CE Academy pupil said: “Since I started studying at sixth form, I realised that nursing was the perfect career choice for me. Learning about different roles in the NHS during Health & Social Care lessons, along with university open days and hearing from nurses themselves has helped me decide on becoming a nurse.”

SSFC has been a huge support to Grace, providing her with a range of volunteering opportunities at local hospitals.

“The college has offered volunteering roles at North Tees hospital and virtual events that explain what a day in the life of a doctor or nurse would be like. After qualifying as a nurse, I plan to further train as a midwife. You can take a nursing degree anywhere in the world. It is an amazing career to go into and I am very excited to start my studies at university.”

Grace would recommend Stockton Sixth Form College to any prospective student.

She said: “Even from the initial open day, it was obvious that the staff genuinely care and want to see you do well. There is always someone looking out for you and there to answer any questions you have.”

“SSFC is smaller and forms more of a community than other colleges, which makes it a much more comfortable environment to ask questions, talk to people and achieve.”

FUTURE LAB SCIENTIST JOSHUA THOMSON

Joshua Thomson’s passion for chemistry has led him to a future career as a lab scientist.

The 18-year-old from Middlesbrough is currently studying Maths, Chemistry and Biology A-levels at Stockton Sixth Form College. Thanks to support from SSFC career staff, next year he will embark on a Level 6 Lab Scientist Degree Apprenticeship with chemical company

Johnson Matthey.

Joshua said: “I wasn’t sure at first what career route I wanted to take. However, learning chemistry and carrying out practical experiments has made me realise where my passion lies.”

“Talking with career staff helped guide me in the right direction.

The facilities at SSFC and teaching are exceptional and are the perfect resources for anyone wanting to succeed in their academic life.

I’m excited to see what awaits me in the coming years.”

Stockton Sixth Form College is now accepting applications for September 2022. Apply online www.stocktonsfc.ac.uk