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I knew that I definitely wanted to go on to university and applied to University College Falmouth to do a Bachelor of Arts in Garden Design (Honours). I applied through UCAS, got asked to interview and was accepted on to the course almost purely on the portfolio that I had built up during my foundation year! The best thing about my education so far is that I have been able to mix and match vocational and academic qualifications so that I could figure out what I really enjoy doing and I have had the best of both academic and vocational learning. I love my university course and am getting lots of practical experience working with a local garden designer who might even offer me a partnership when I graduate! I’m not sure yet whether I want to stay in Cornwall or move to Australia or New Zealand. I know that I’ve definitely made the right career choice for myself, and I love every minute of it so far! For a printable version of Sams pathway please select the link below: Opens in a new window.
Matt’s story
School wasn’t really for me. I never got on with my teachers because they thought I didn’t learn fast enough and I didn’t really get on with the other pupils either. When I left school at 14, I worked here and there, but mainly bummed around, enjoying myself, which my parents hated. I went from job to job, not really knowing what I wanted to do with my life, until I stumbled into a career as an undertaker! This was a fantastic job but eventually it became too stressful and I decided I needed a career change. Unfortunately, this proved to be harder than I thought. Having no qualifications, no company wanted to employ me. They all looked at me and my CV and sent me on my merry way, saying that I needed more than ‘life knowledge’. “Time for something drastic!”, I thought. I came home from a job interview one day and started looking on the internet at job websites and saw an Aimhigher link, I clicked on it and a whole new world appeared before my eyes! I contacted them, as I was unsure if I could return to education but they convinced me that I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, and they were right! I arranged an interview with Bicton College to start a Foundation degree in Animal Science (Management and Welfare). I fell in love with the place as soon as I walked up the drive and thought to myself, “This is the place that I want to study”. The interview went well and I started the course a month later. As I am the only person in my family to go to university, at the grand old age of 37 I found it quite strange returning to education. Learning again is hard for me, but the tutors teach at my speed, so I am not losing out, if I don’t understand anything they will explain it until I do. I am now about to start my second year exams, and in September join the University of Plymouth for my third year to top up to an Honours degree, and if all goes to plan, in a couple of years I hope to work with orangutans or primates in Borneo. For a printable version of Matt's pathway please select the link below: Opens in a new window.
Kelly’s story
After doing my GCSEs I knew I would not be able to do A levels straight away because of my results. I talked to my teachers and they suggested doing a foundation year in the sixth form at The Axe Valley Community College. The foundation year was such a better atmosphere than being in the lower school! After successfully completing my foundation year I took the choice of going further and doing some advanced courses. I found that AVCEs (now replaced by Applied A levels) matched my capabilities as a practical student who didn’t enjoy exam conditions. Along the way I got involved with the PE staff at the school and volunteered to help run different sporting events which gave me lots of practical experience. I also got involved with the Community Sport Leader Award (CSLA) Scheme which is designed to gain a qualification in leading community sports projects whilst gaining plenty of experience and confidence. I completed my AVCEs with great results and was accepted by The College of St Mark and St John (Marjon) in Plymouth where I am currently studying Sports Development and Outdoor Adventure. It is a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and it is an incredible experience. I have come so far since my GCSEs and I believe that taking a vocational route has given me the practical skills and confidence to do what I am doing today and will allow me to achieve my goal of becoming a PE teacher. A vocational qualification is a brilliant way of progressing through to university and beyond. My tip for you is to get volunteering because universities and employers love it! And remember, you can do anything if you put your mind to it, I did and it’s brilliant! For a printable version of Kelly's pathway please select the link below: Opens in a new window.
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