Myth Number 1: Colleges are only for students who don’t like school or aren’t strong academically
How true is it? Let’s get this one out of the way first – it’s completely false. Colleges are for any student who wants to focus on one subject they really love in an industry-grade learning environment. This means that yes, it’s great for learners who don’t feel like school is their thing – but it’s also for driven students who enjoy learning and want to achieve highly. There’s something at college for everyone.
Myth Number 2: You can only go to university if you do A Levels
How true is it? Again, this is a really common but untrue belief. Many students from FE colleges go on to university – and at CBC, our strong links with the University of Bedfordshire, the University of Northampton and the University of Hertfordshire mean you receive a range of talks straight from the experts on writing your personal statement for UCAS, how to navigate student finance for university and more. Far from limiting your academic options when you reach 18, a course at college opens doors for you.
Myth Number 3: Vocational courses only lead to one career
How true is it? Are you seeing a pattern here – FALSE. While it might seem like putting all your eggs in one basket to choose just one course at college compared to doing a range of subjects at A Level, the skills and qualifications you’ll gain in a vocational course can help you succeed in a variety of roles. Teamwork, time management, attention to detail, research – these are all key transferable qualities. When you’ve completed your course, you’ll have a valuable Level 2 or Level 3 qualification which will be recognised by employers or universities so the possibilities are endless – and you’ll have spent your time focusing on an area you’re truly passionate about.
Myth Number 4: Girls do care or beauty courses, boys do construction courses
How true is it? Well, of course young women DO take care and beauty courses, and young men DO take construction courses – but once again, it’s 100% false that your course options are limited by your gender identity or sex. These stereotypes are outdated and all of our courses can be, and are, taken by people of all genders. So choose whichever course makes you happy!
Myth Number 5: College is just like an extension of school
How true is it? You guessed it – false, false, false. College is closer to a university in atmosphere than school. You’ll call your tutors by their first names, wear whatever you want (within reason!), use industry-standard equipment and tools, and be treated as the capable young adult you are. You usually won’t be in college every weekday from 8.30 to 3.30 and between classes you’re free to leave campus whenever you like. College really is the perfect bridge between the structure of school and the freedom of adulthood.
