College holds ‘Right Choice’ event as part of Colleges Week
Carlisle College is calling for local parents to help as new research reveals that fewer than half of pupils preparing for their GCSEs receive specialist advice on post-exam options. The College has put out this call as research released today by the Association of Colleges, shows considerable confusion among young people about their post-GCSE options. A half of Year 10 pupils surveyed were unable to name more than two post-GCSE qualifications; a quarter could only name one.
The study, which was conducted on behalf of the Association of Colleges has been released to launch the beginning of Colleges Week (26th September – 2nd October) and involved interviews with 500 pupils aged of 14 who are currently studying for GCSEs.
The research found that while 63% of young people were able to name A-Levels as a post-GCSE qualification, very few could name any of the other choices available.
Only 7% of pupils were able to name Apprenticeships as a post-GCSE qualification.
· Only 26% of pupils were able to name NVQs
· Only 19% of pupils were able to name BTECs
· Only 9% of pupils were able to name Diplomas
· Only 3% of pupils were able to name Foundation learning courses
In a move to address the issue Carlisle College will be holding a ‘Right Choice’ event this Wednesday (28 September). The event will have representation from all curriculum areas of the College and is an opportunity for those considering their options for study and for those who feel want to continue their post 16 education in an adult environment with state of the art facilities specifically designed to prepare students for the world of work or progression to university.
The College offers a range of post 16 options that may not have been considered by those wanting to go on to 6th Form. These include a range of ‘A’ Levels and Level 3 pathways which are ideal for those wanting to go on to university with qualifications which are both academically and vocationally relevant. Other courses are also available from Entry Level to Higher Education.
Moira Tattersall, Principal of Carlisle College said:
“The research highlights a very worrying trend among young people, with the majority reportedly having to make serious decisions about their future, without having access to all of the necessary information. We regularly hear from our students that the advice they received prior to starting with us was patchy, with many unaware of all the options available.
“We provide lots of opportunities for both parents and prospective students to get in contact at our series of Advice Sessions and our ‘Right Choice’ event. Our doors are always open to those who want to explore their options and be better prepared for their future. In light of these latest research findings, I would strongly urge parents to get in touch and help their children to explore all of the options available to them, before they make any decisions about their next steps, after GCSEs.”
The study found that half of all pupils do not feel that they have received enough advice from their school or academy in planning their future career. It also reveals that only half receive advice from a specialist careers advisor.
Pupils also said that the advice that they receive from their parents about the options available to them after their GCSEs is more useful than that received from teachers or careers advisors.
Joy Mercer, Director of Education Policy at the Association of Colleges, adds:
“These findings show that parents have a hugely important role in helping their children to fully understand all of their options. Young people deserve to know about all of the post-GCSE options available to them and their peers. These results suggest that guaranteed face-to-face guidance from an independent source would be preferable to asking schools and academies to be the primary source of advice.”
Parents and pupils can find out more about post-GCSE alternatives by visiting the ‘Right Choice’ Event at Carlisle College, Victoria Place this Wednesday (28 September) between 2pm and 5pm.
About Colleges Week 2011
Colleges Week is the education sector’s major showcase for the vital role that Colleges play in providing young people, adults and businesses in the UK with the opportunities they need to succeed. This year, the theme is “Connecting with Communities”.
From 26th September-2nd October, Colleges around the country are taking part in a range of initiatives designed to engage young people, parents, post 19 adults and employers by highlighting the range of courses on offer and the excellence of the teaching available.
The College prospectus is available as a download from www.carlisle.ac.uk or can be sent via post for free, call 01228 822700.
