Geography

Geography Students

I was disillusioned with regards to my future after receiving poor grades at both AS and A-level at my previous school. I felt they were not a fair reflection on my potential and was disappointed with the way my school had handled my education in 6th form.

The results I had gained would have meant that I could only attend universities that were of a reasonably low standard and for a while I persuaded myself that, with all my friends moving onto university, I should simply follow even it if meant going to an undesirable university.

However after lengthy discussions with my parents, I soon began to realise that this was not the right decision to take and therefore decided to look at various 6th form colleges within my area. There were various colleges that I looked at yet few seemed to meet my needs and were at times unhelpful. However I eventually came across Brampton College. I attended a lengthy interview with the principal in which I explained the difficult situation that I was in and I was simply astonished by the willingness that the college displayed in offering to help me. My parents were also taken aback by the college’s setup and I knew Brampton was the place for me to achieve my desired goals.

Brampton College immediately presented me with a revolutionary style to learning. This ranged from the constant attention given to each student both in and out of class to weekly tests set in exam style conditions. This was so helpful as you gained a personal relationship with each of your teachers in your small classes and felt comfortable to ask any question you my have regarding your subject, rather than shying away as one may do if put into large, over-powering classes as experienced in other schools. The small class sizes also meant that your weaknesses in subjects were immediately identified and could be corrected as soon as possible. I remember gaining more and more confidence every time I walked into class of which was a new feeling entirely for me as my previous school often did not have the time required to give you the attention that Brampton could.

The college offered a friendly environment which I still believe is unrivalled by any other college or school, by the way you were allowed to call teachers via their first names, making you feel mature and almost on a level platform. Despite the work-load, there were various outlets of stress for students such as after-school football, where I gained many good friends.

When exam day came I was nervous but not petrified like the majority of students around the country would have been because I knew Brampton had prepared for every possibility that the exams might throw at me and by this time examination conditions were second nature.

When results day came, I went down to the college and was delighted to find that I attained 3 A’s at A-level, proving the quality of preparation I received. I was over the moon with my results and I am now at the University of Manchester in second year, studying Geography. On reflection, I am extremely happy with my decision to re-take my A-levels at Brampton and remain eternally grateful for the opportunity they have given me as it now seems I have a bright future ahead.

Geography Students