Jasmine: Transition from 1st year to 2nd year

Hello again, it’s Jasmine!

Decided my first “official” blog post - to say- should be about how I've been finding my A2 year (2nd year of a-levels). All I can say right now is… My WORD there a lot of work! A lot of hard work!

It’s not just revision, and end of topic tests, and mock assessments that really contribute to all this “hard work”, it’s more to do with all the other responsibilities that are involved. For example, in second year you've got UCAS applications, predicted grades, personal statement writing, University offers, and so much more!

But don’t let that put you off, and don’t be scared! What’s so awesome about college is that there is SO MUCH SUPPORT to do with all of this. Everyone here wants to see you succeed, and they’ll stop at nothing to make sure everything is right for you. Recently I've been shown so much more support that I need to do all this, all available in college. When I felt down, or anxious, or felt overwhelmed with everything University related, one word to my tutor and everything was made okay again.

One thing you have to realise, even in your 1st year, is that if you need help, you need to ask! I found myself not asking for help in my first few years because I always thought I was a burden, which I regret doing because all staff at college, whoever you talk to, are so helpful, lovely and kind (and I’m not just saying that to try and get into their good books!). You’re never a burden to anyone in college. If you have a concern, speak up! The college tries to make sure your experience studying for your qualifications here, whether it be GCSE, A-level or BTECs, is one of the best experiences of your life, and one that you look back on with a huge smile!

So that’s me done then! I’ll try and update soon with another blog post, fingers crossed it isn't as boring as this one!

-Jasmine

Jasmine: First Blog Post!

Hello everybody! It’s Jasmine here!

Since you may not know who on Earth I am, let me take this opportunity to introduce myself properly. I’m a second year student here at Cadbury, studying Biology, Psychology and Sociology, as well as being an academic mentor, student representative and now student blogger! I’m so excited to start blogging for college now! The idea of blogging seems like so much fun, I just hope I don’t seem like a bore!

So, let me talk about my experiences of college so far (There’s almost three years’ worth of material here, so bear with me!). I started college in September 2013 on the GCSE re-sit programme, studying Double Science, Geography and Sociology. Previous to this, I was home educated, so that in itself is very different from most other people in college, as I have now found out. If you thought moving from school to college was hard, imagine moving from being at home for 5 years to attending classes with other people! I was ABSOLUTELY terrified.

BUT! I’m still here 2 years later, and that just shows how AWESOME the college is with dealing with every individual circumstance that students may have. I was made to feel welcome, and everyone made sure I was comfortable since it was such a big transition for me. So, if they managed that for a home educated child, just imagine the amount of support and help there is for secondary school children moving from school to college. I am SO GLAD I chose this college to attend. Every lesson I attended I enjoyed and every teacher I had was fully supportive. College is such a relaxed atmosphere, and a grown up one at that. You’re no longer treated as a child here at college, you’re young adults. That’s one of the things I like about college. I felt like I’ve been able to grow a lot since starting (not physically, I am 19 now so I don’t think I’m going to be getting any taller anytime soon!); grow into the person that I am now, and how I’m going to be in the future.

I’m not just gaining qualifications here at college, but so much more! This is the beginning of the rest of my life! And when I leave (I can’t even bare to think about the fact I’m leaving next year! No!), I’m always going to think about Cadbury as being the beginning of the rest of my life.

Long intro, I know, I write too much! But I just wanted to say hi! Hopefully I can show you a good insight into student life here at Cadbury College. This place is incredible (and I’m not just saying that to get into the good books around here; I genuinely think it!), and I hope any prospective students who are thinking of attending here take my words into consideration. Hopefully will update you all soon!

From Jasmine!

Amandeep & Saiba: Open Day

It’s the seventeenth of October, where is the place to be? Cadbury College Open Day! We spent our day at the college's Open Day taking a look at the stalls, helping out and also talking to any prospective students who are looking to come to Cadbury.

Our role during Cadbury's Open Day was full of qualities such as co-operation, work skills, socialisation, etiquette and punctuality. During the Open Day we were the 'Cadbury Student Bloggers' hence the alarming orange t-shirt we wore proudly (!). Throughout the Open Day, during the first 2 hours we had the chance to show fellow future Cadbury students around. We showed them around to the subjects they felt most passionate about, as this gave them an overview of what they were to expect in the future from their chosen course.

Our guests had asked us about our own experience during our time at Cadbury College and we gladly shared our positive and (most importantly) genuine thoughts, of which we had many to talk about. Furthermore, within our last 2 hours of the open day, we showed off our skills of being a true journalist as we took numerous pictures of each teacher passionately talking about the subject they happily teach. Also we spoke to our guests about how their experience at Cadbury College benefited them, and they too gladly expressed how the helpfulness and positive attitude which Cadbury College presented them with went a long and fortunate way.

The main purpose of the Cadbury College Open Day was for future students to get an insight on what their preferred courses at college will be like. Every guest got a chance to explore the deeper knowledge of their chosen subjects and this was the time to put any queries forward about their future courses. Cadbury College catered for the needs of these students answering any questions of which the brief online explanation of the preferred course was lacking.  It was also a chance for the future students to come face to face with the teachers and ask all that they needed to know. The Open Day was held to satisfy future students and their needs, and it also gave them a chance to apply to the college beforehand.

During our time at the Open Day, we felt that it would be rather intriguing to ask visitors about their opinion of the college. Overall the response from both parents and students was terrific! We received responses such as “Cadbury College is defiantly going to be my first choice!” Comments were also made about the staff. “The staff were very helpful and welcoming.” When asking about applying to Cadbury: “I’m applying as soon as I get home.” We got a lot of feedback which stated that guests found the college better than what they had imagined it to be. “I didn't expect the college to be so cool”.

To finish off this blog, we personally think that Cadbury College Open Day was quite a success!

We hope you enjoyed reading our first blog.

We will be posting monthly so look out for our next blog!

Until next time - Hasta la Vista!

Isobel: A New Beginning

Hi everyone,

Let me start by introducing myself; my name is Isobel and this is my first post as a student blogger. I started at Cadbury Sixth Form College in September 2015, and so far, things have been going really well. I studied GCSEs at Hall Green Secondary School, and although I loved my time there, I was so excited to start college life.

Along with wanting to document and remember my journey over these next two years, I wanted to help make the transition for prospective students easier by allowing you to read about my own experiences. I cannot wait to see where this path leads me, so why not come along with me?

I am studying A-Level Geography and Textiles, and BTEC Digital Arts. I switched one of my original courses a few weeks after starting college as I decided it wasn’t right for me. It is incredibly important to know that if you are doing something that you don’t completely love and don’t feel as though you can put all of your effort into it, then go out of your way to make a difference about it. The sooner you do it, the better it will be. Therefore, it’s okay if you realise that you made the wrong decision with your courses. As long as there is the ability to do so and the decision is practical, staff here are incredibly supportive of the choices you make. These two years are all about you and helping you head in the right direction for your future.

Why Cadbury? 

Out of all of the colleges and sixth forms that I looked at in year 11, none of them made me feel as welcomed as Cadbury. Staff and students respect each other and I love how you are finally treated like an adult. You have the freedom to choose how you spend your free time (even if you are told it should be for studying – you’ve got to have some fun meeting new people and with your friends, right?!). But it’s about finding the balance, using all the time you have effectively and efficiently. Staying organised and on-top of everything is the key to making sure that you get the best out of your College life, and it will definitely make you feel less stressed.

Starting in a new environment can be scary and exciting at the same time. I was unsure where I’d fit in, whether I’d be able to cope with the work and whether I’d miss my old school too much. But, if I’m completely honest, I’ve had the best start possible. It almost feels as though I’ve been here for months. Also, making new friends can be daunting. But over time you learn more about people, find out your similarities and differences and you’ll hopefully find friendships that you’ll want to keep forever.

I didn’t think that I’d be going on trips already with college, but on Wednesday 14th October I went on a trip for my Textiles course to the Tate Modern in London. We visited an exhibition called The World Goes Pop – it was brilliant and inspirational. It has definitely helped me with my work, but more than anything it was great to spend the day with new people from college that I’ve never spoken to before.

Thank you for reading my first blog post. I hope you enjoyed it and fingers crossed I’ve managed to put some things about starting college into perspective. I’ll be back next month with another post!

Bye for now,

Isobel

Maisie: About Me

Hi All! 

I’m Maisie Truman, and I'm at Cadbury to study Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics. I know, crazy right?!

So far, my time at Cadbury has been great; the friendly atmosphere and teaching has exceeded expectations, and I am very excited for all that is to come. 

Unlike other educational institutes, Cadbury embraces my want to be involved in as many extra-curriculum events and activities as possible, and the support to do so is phenomenal. Being 'Sergeant Truman' in the Army Cadet Force, a musician, a writer (with my first book nearly finished), a motorbike fanatic and a lover of Mathematics, Cadbury offers me the support and facilities I need to succeed and enjoy all of the above, as well as achieving in my chosen subjects. 

So, there's a little bit about me, but stay tuned for more entries and feel free to ask questions and suggest topics you would like me to discuss. I would love to hear your feedback!

MT

Kamal: Le First Blog

Hello there.

If you haven’t yet noticed, I’m pretty new to this whole ‘blogging’ business - but I hope I do well to entertain and even captivate a few of you out there. 

To begin allow me to introduce myself. My name is Kamal and I’m currently studying my first year here at Cadbury; Psychology, Sociology and Business were my choices for A-levels. I hope to excel in Psychology as well as my blogging. I had always wanted to blog or vlog, but really didn’t know what to speak about - so when the opportunity hit me, how could have I said no?!

Being my first blog lets speak about the whole “College Life”. 

Many students find the transition from secondary school to college overwhelming, yet some find it thrilling. I enjoyed the whole change overall to be completely honest and I find that change is something to prepare for in life. Making new friends may possibly be a challenge for some and for others a blast. Nevertheless in today’s world, meeting and getting along with new people is a skill you should be prepare to gain.

What am I most looking forward to in college? 

I'm looking forward to the personal challenge that Cadbury College will offer me; the exciting new atmosphere, the transition from Moseley School to a Sixth Form College, and finding the time ti study and make the most of my "free" periods.

I only started a month ago, but so far I think the most enjoyable aspect in college is the respect given to you - you're treated like an adult.  This allows you to make your own decisions (beneficial or not!) leading to appropriate consequences, which is quite awesome. To re-phrase that as an example: studying during breaks and lunches should greatly influence what you achieve in that subject positively and would probably impress the teacher if you had already studied what is going to be taught next lesson.

I hope you enjoyed my initial blog of many to come and please take a quick read whenever you can - you can find out about my experiences at college so you know what to expect when you join next September!

Thank you for reading until the end; loyalty is never over-looked.