College helps students to move on up

The College has been offering its Further Education students the chance to find out more about studying at degree level, by staging a number of workshops where they can ask questions of existing students.

The senior students - who have all been working as mentors over the last year - have been passing on the benefit of their experience at the From FE to HE sessions, the first of which have been taking place this week.

The event has been organised by equal opportunities officer Godfrey Henry, to help out students who are unsure what to expect from Higher Education.

The College is unusual in offering a wide range of courses at HE and FE level and many students arrive here to study NVQs or BTECs, and end up staying for five years or more, ultimately leaving with a degree or even a postgraduate qualification.

Godfrey said: "These sessions give Further Education students the chance to ask for whatever help or information they might need to progress to HE, in a relaxed and informal setting

"We want to help them find out what it's like to be an HE student before they actually start their courses in September, so that they know what to expect, which should make it easier for them to settle in."

Topics covered by the sessions include how to enjoy being an HE student, how to get good grades, money matters, study skills and how to write assignments. Students are also welcome to raise any other worries or concerns they may have.

Students who have already applied for and been accepted to an HE programme at the College have already been sent an invitation, but anyone else is welcome to attend one of the sessions if they want to find out more.

There will be further sessions next week on June 11, 12, 13 and 15 all from 11am to 3pm in Room 707 at Summer Row.