Where to Learn at 16
After 16 you have to make decisions about where you want to continue learning. A general guide to your main choices follows.
Sixth Form
People used to go into the sixth form if they wanted to take A Levels. Now there are a lot more courses on offer. Sixth Form is different from school even though you might still be in same building. Sixth Formers generally have a little more freedom and responsibility. They may also have their own study and leisure areas.
If you stayed to study in their Sixth Form you could follow any of these courses:
- AS/A2 Advanced Level Courses
- a range of courses in vocational subjects
- re-sit GCSE English, Mathematics and some other subjects
College
If you want a change from school, then College could be a good choice. Colleges are often bigger than school Sixth Forms and offer more courses. College life is often very different too. You will work alongside students of all ages and may be able to use bigger and better facilities.
If you went to college you could follow courses such as these:
- AS/A2 Advanced Level courses
- a range of courses in vocational subjects
- GCSE in a number of subjects
- Prevocational or Entry Level courses
- NVQs at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3
- Apprenticeships
- E2E (Entry to Employment)
Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning (WBL) is about getting the skills needed to do a job. As well as training, you will get qualifications and a wage or allowance. WBL is a general name for a number of different types of job-related programmes and qualifications. For example, an Apprenticeship, Entry to Employment (E2E) and National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) could all be described as work based learning. You would either be working with a WBP Provider on their own premises or on placement with an employer.
If you continue learning with a Work Based Learning Provider you could follow courses like:
- E2E - Entry to Employment
- Apprenticeships
- NVQ at Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3