Last week we held our first #BeInspired event for students from Bradford schools. The day was designed to allow the high school students to sample sixth form lessons in a college environment. The event was held at New College Pontefract, our Ofsted outstanding rated sister college. The day saw over 150 year 9 and year 10 students from Bradford Academy, Buttershaw College and University Academy Keighley sampling a wide range of sixth form subjects and getting involved in a challenge session in the subject of their choosing.
The students were asked a selection of questions before and after the event with some fascinating results:
At the start of the day, 42% of students said that they were considering studying at a sixth form college. This jumped to 81% on completion of the event.
54% surveyed at the start of the day said that they were not that informed or not informed at all about post-16 choices. On completion, the figures for quite informed or very well informed rose to 86%.
94% said that they were quite, or very inspired by the day.
We also asked the students to tell us one thing they had learnt about New College from the day. Some of the quotes were:
“You can be your own individual and follow your own pathways”
“I have learnt that I could do A-Levels and BTECs at the same time”
“A sixth form college opens many different doors”
“New College Bradford offered a very nice welcome & introduction and I am now considering college.”
The day was drawn to a close with certificate presentations and a keynote speech from Deborah Green, Director of Student Recruitment at the university of Hull.
We are already planning for our next event in the new year so keep a look out for #beinspired2.
