Students Say ...
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Anastasjia
In 2010 my family relocated from Latvia to the United Kingdom. When I had an appointment at the Jobcentre to get my NIN, I asked the person who interviewed me to recommend a good college – and here I am! I study AS Maths and AS Travel and Tourism (my favourite subject) and to improve my English I was advised to take ESOL, GCSE English and Functional Skills English. When I first came to college I found it difficult to understand specific vocabulary in the chosen subjects, but I found an incredible support from teachers and Learning Support Department. I was really glad when I found out that I can study my home language, Russian, through the Community Languages self-taught course. What I like the most about St Brendan’s is its cultural diversity. I made a lot of friends from different cultural backgrounds, which would not be possible in my home country. In the future I want to apply for university to study International Travel and Tourism and hope that with qualifications, which I will gain here, it will be possible!
Ashling
This year I am taking Art, Philosophy and Maths at A2 and I picked up an AS in Art History which is really complimentary to my other subjects. I came here only knowing a couple of people but soon made lots of friends particularly in my Art classes. I found it a big step up from GCSE to A Level. The College is a much more student based environment where you have much more independence and freedom. The teachers here are really friendly and nice, they really know their stuff because they are specialised in A Levels.
I entered a competition run by Bristol City Council to design as Energy Certificate in a new and innovative way. I linked my design with my art project at the time and managed to win the competition.
I will be going on to an Art Foundation Degree next year, which will enable me to choose the right Art course at university for the following year.
Dan
My name is Dan Stone and I am currently studying Physics and Double Maths at AS and A2 Level. I chose Physics as one of my subject choices as I was very interested in the subject and hope to continue it into higher education in different aspects. Throughout the college year I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in the lessons and have felt that through my efforts and the staffs I have really advanced my learning in the subjects. Along with my studies I am also a Tutor Rep, a Student Ambassador and play for the college football team in the timetabled enrichment slot. As a Tutor Rep you are a spokes person for your class and are expected to attend meetings and voice your tutor’s opinions and questions. As a Student Ambassador you help the college with different events and days, such as open days for new and prospect students helping with any enquiries students may have and providing any help needed. After another year of college studies I hope to be able to progress to the next level of academics and study at university.
Dylan
I came to St Brendan’s because it was a big College and I knew that I would meet lots of new people and also because I could take Fashion A Level which I couldn’t seem to find anywhere else. On the Fashion course you learn so much from society to moral issues to the scientific composition of fabrics as well as practical skills. I had taken textiles at GCSE so the practical side wasn’t a problem but the bookwork was a bit more difficult than I had anticipated.
I also take Sociology which I really enjoy and History because I was good at it at school. I definitely want to have a career in Fashion but I’m not sure whether it will be in design or manufacture. After College I hope to get an internship with a designer followed by a Fashion degree.
Eva
I have found my time at St Brendan’s to be enjoyable, successful and life changing. It has helped me gain confidence, as it is so easy to make friends and the atmosphere is almost laid back but professional and friendly. Throughout school I felt uncomfortable within myself and found it hard to get along with people and subjects. This College has helped bring out the real me and help me have a clearer idea of what I want to do in the future and also give me a much more positive outcome on life. I chose the subjects Fine Art, Textiles and Photography. All very coursework demanding subjects, but I enjoyed each one of them thoroughly. I found Art in secondary school bland and boring, but it is very different in College as there are many more enjoyable techniques and mediums and it is more structured. The teachers here are respectful and treat students equally; you don’t see them as teachers but almost guides and friends. Generally you tend to work more on your own but they have helped me progress and produce some very successful work and I’m very confident I chose the right path.
Jahan
I went to City Academy where I achieved four GCSE’s and was heavily involved in the Anti-Bullying Campaign. I chose St Brendan’s Sixth Form as I felt it was a caring environment and the teachers seemed very kind and helpful. I get lots of support with my studies from Learner Support, my personal class tutor and the other pastoral care which is available here. Along with visiting Learning Support several times per week, there is also plenty of help in class, which is important to me. I’m studying the level 1 course which also includes Maths, English and ICT. I am a student ambassador, which has helped me build confidence, gain skills and experience and also make friends. Along with the life skills I have gained from my part time job at a pharmacy I feel I have really grown and developed in the year I have spent at St Brendan’s and feel better equipped for whatever I decide to do next.
James
I first came to St Brendan’s in September 2010 after having a bad year at my previous college. I have a huge interest in Performing Arts so the choice was easy and I have learnt lots of technical aspects of music, the theatre and sound. I very much enjoyed my time at St Brendan’s and the course, I also gained Functional Skills English and maths qualifications at level 2, which is particularly useful for the future. I would like to be a teaching assistant in a primary school and I feel that I have learnt a lot that will help me in this career. I would fully recommend the Performing Arts course to anyone.
Jessica
I was quite lucky when choosing subjects at St Brendan’s because the university course I want to do requires no specific A-levels. So when looking at the prospectus I could chose from a wide range of courses. French, Religious Studies, Music Performing and Communications and Culture were the options that I chose. All varied subjects that have given me a variety of different types of learning. Coming to St Brendan’s was difficult, leaving my best friends at my previous school, but as soon as I walked through the doors, I knew it was the place for me.
Joan
I moved to Bristol from London to start St Brendan’s sixth form in September. Coming from so far away I was worried that I would be different and not have any friends or know anyone however my time here so far has proved me wrong. I am happily settled and have lots of new friends in and out of college. In the beginning I was worried that picking only a few subjects for A level would be impossible but reading about the different courses in the prospectus helped me choose my combination of History, Business and Psychology. I very much enjoy all of them now and I’m glad I was able to know a bit about them before I started.
Lana
I study Music A-level, English Literature A-level and Theatre Studies A-level. I came from Colston’s Girls’ School and the transition from GCSE’s to AS is a big one, but the teachers here really do make you feel like you aren’t the only one going through it. What I really love about the college is the fact I feel like the teachers actually care about me and try and find opportunities to help me in the present and the future. For example, I was lucky enough to be given the chance to be an editor for the Evening Post supplement Banter which was an experience and a half. Everyone here is so friendly, you meet amazing people and the atmosphere is brilliant. I feel like I’ve grown as a person being at St Brendan’s because it’s so much more independent and I feel like it’s preparing me for university at a steady but sure pace. It takes getting used to but I promise it’s completely worthwhile
Tom
I am studying Business Studies, Accounting and Public Services BTEC Diploma. The subject I enjoy most is Business Studies because I find it the most interesting and believe that it will be the most valuable to me in the future. I intend to find a career in Hotel or Construction Management. As well as studying I work part-time at Tesco and also play in the second row for a local rugby team. After College I intend to take a year, which would normally be seen as a gap year, to build shelters for the homeless possibly in Africa. At the moment I don’t feel as though I want to go to university, this may change but at the moment I feel that it is more valuable and a lot less expensive to gain work experience rather than a university degree.