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Cotham School

Curriculum and Studying with Us

If you are interested in coming to study with us at the North Bristol Post 16 Centre, please visit the APPLY section of our website.

CHERNO 

What subjects do you study?

I’m on the Foundation pathways studying Level 2 Business, ITQ and skills, along with resitting my English GCSE 

What are you planning to do in the future?

I’m really interested in pursuing a career in Cyber Security. At the moment I’m considering both uni and apprenticeship routes to decide on the best fit. 

What enrichment have you taken part in at NBP16C?

I joined the Basketball enrichment option as I really enjoy sports and this gave me an opportunity to have an hour with my friends getting some exercise and fun competition. 

What support have you had during your studies?

I have learnt to ask for support if I am unsure as my teachers have been very helpful when I am unsure what to do with my work. I attend lessons in Charnwood and the main site which is great as it means I see different teachers and classrooms. I use Upgrade for my directed study periods as I like desktop computers rather than laptops and can ask any of the mentors for help with my coursework. 

What is your favourite thing about studying at NBP16C?

I’ve enjoyed meeting lots of different people who I didn’t know before and it has helped my confidence. I also enjoy the books and the resources that are around for us to use whenever we need them.

What is the secret to success in Post 16 study?

Definitely using Upgrade and the library during the times of the day when I don’t have lessons. I’ve also really learned the value of listening and accepting help. 
 

 

KASAVIA 

What subjects do you study?

Psychology, Geography and REP

What are you planning to do in the future?

I have an offer from Oxford University to study Human Sciences. Later I’d see myself contributing to research, and action into solving world issues like the climate crisis and health by centering around first nations / native  ideologies viewpoints and wealth of knowledge which I believe has been widely unappreciated

What enrichment have you taken part in at NBP16C?

I am a Respect Ambassador. I was also part of the early applicant group which met from the end of Y12 to support all students making early university applications to Oxford or Cambridge.

What support have you had during your studies?

Support from the school during my UCAS application was great, they gave me a mentor specifically for me and my application which made everything much easier. I have also had support from the academic mentors to support my revision and planning. 

What is your favourite thing about studying at NBP16C?

Favourite thing is the trust and responsibility you are given to use your free time productively. I also enjoy the lack of uniform so we can dress in a way that we are confident and comfortable.

What is the secret to success in Post 16 study?

Making use of 'free periods' from the very beginning and using teachers to your advantage - They are experts!

 

JAELE 

What subjects do you study?

Art, English Literature, Film Studies

What are you planning to do in the future?

Taking a gap year volunteering as a teacher in Honduras. My plan is to then go to Art college in Europe. 

What enrichment have you taken part in at NBP16C?

I decided to do the  First Aid course that was offered. It was a six week course that taught us skills and ultimately how to perform CPR. It was really practical and I genuinely feel so much more confident about these skills now.

What support have you had during your studies?

I’ve had support from an Academic Mentor, who I meet once a week to go through how I am doing and to help me with how I work and organise myself. I was able to book appointments with the Literacy Tutor whenever I needed to to help me structure my English essays and advise me. have found the whole Post 16 team always available and supportive.

What is your favourite thing about studying at NBP16C?

The sense of community and I feel very comfortable staying at school to either do work or socialise with my friends. Post 16 staff are always happy to help and I have been given help in fundraising for my gap year. 

What is the secret to success in Post 16 study?

Making the most of the resources and study space and not hesitating to use the help that is available. 

 

OAKLEY 

What subjects do you study?

Film, DT and Music

What are you planning to do in the future?

I really want to get involved in making films. I already have a go but to learn the skills and particularly learn to edit would be great.

What enrichment have you taken part in at NBP16C?

Mr Johnson launched a Jazz band as part of enrichment and we got together every Friday after school in the music rooms at main school. 

What support have you had during your studies?

The teachers are really good at understanding that people learn differently and help me find interesting ways to do my work and resources that will allow me to understand what I am doing. 

What is your favourite thing about studying at NBP16C?

There are plenty of places to study and hang out with friends.

What is the secret to success in Post 16 study?

I think having a good calendar to plan study time and homework really helps. 

 

ROBERT 

What subjects do you study?

Politics, Geography, Btec Applied Science and Core Maths

What are you planning to do in the future?

Going to University to study Economics with one other subject, yet to be decided. Ultimate aim is to get a masters . I am not sure where I want to study yet and am looking at all the prospectuses in the library. 

What enrichment have you taken part in at NBP16C?

Dungeons and Dragons, because it helps with thinking ahead skills, what you are going to do and expands my ability to visualise information in a supportive fun group. 

What support have you had during your studies?

I have been given exam access arrangements for extra time, teachers give me time and support and I work in Upgrade with all the mentors. Upgrade is a great space because it is not silent but is a calm, relaxed environment which helps me to study and get my work done.  

What is your favourite thing about studying at NBP16C?

There are plenty of opportunities to study, communal areas and access to lots of resources.

What is the secret to success in Post 16 study?

Allocation of time and the hour for an hour. This is made clear to you on day one that it works and if you use your free study periods and stay in school, you can get so much done. 

 

ANITA 

What subjects do you study?

Chemistry, Biology . EPQ and Psychology

What are you planning to do in the future?

I want to be a Paediatrician. Because I have always been interested in medicine and helping children.  I would love to go to Cambridge and am part of the early applicants programme at Centre. If not, I want to study at the University of Birmingham.  

What enrichment have you taken part in at NBP16C?

I have done sports, I like teamwork and it is good to get away from the academic work for a break every week for an hour. 

What support have you had during your studies?

The tutor programme is really good as we look at lots of different  things every morning as a group. Upgrade is a good space to work with my friends and talk and organise my work. The mentors are always available to answer questions , get me organised and keep on top of things.  

What is your favourite thing about studying at NBP16C?

The sense of community at  the centre is great. We have had events  that involve everyone and include music, dance and food. Culture Day was a real highlight - as well as end of term karaoke!

What is the secret to success in Post 16 study?

Not stressing, always making sure you have goals and dreaming big 😀