As exam season approaches, many young people will be thinking of where the next school year will take them.
That's why South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College is welcoming people of all ages to look around the campuses, chat with teachers, and learn more about the college at the upcoming open event.
Taking place on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 5.30pm, the open event gives prospective students the opportunity to speak with course specialists and learn more about the support on offer at the college.
The event takes place across all campuses: SGS Filton, SGS WISE, SGS Stroud, SGS Queens Road. This is a great opportunity to kick-start your career and learn about SGS's wide range of programmes, including those starting in September 2023.
You'll have the chance to meet with current learners studying at SGS College and as well as try out activities relating to your subject of interest.
Book your place at the open event, here.
Gary Parson, head of SGS sixth said: "We are delighted to be further expanding our subject offering at SGS Sixth and hope that our new L3 UAL Subsidiary Diploma in Photography helps to further expand our growing creative subject options.
"Our L3 in Food Science and Nutrition further builds on our excellent reputation for both science and sport, whilst new A levels in French and Spanish give applicants the opportunity to take these subjects for the first time amongst our diverse and varied selection of over 30 different A level and A level equivalent subjects."
To give you a flavour of what's on offer at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, Bristol Live took a closer look at some of the college's newest courses.
Develop your language skills
Are you interested in learning about other cultures' traditions, politics and art? Well, these brand new A levels are due to start in September 2023 and will build on everything you learnt at GCSE to give you a deeper understanding of the language and place.
A level French: This Filton-based course will improve your fluency when talking about more complex topics as well as family and relationships, popular culture, and more.
As your language skills develop, you'll find yourself able to discuss subjects such as the environment, contemporary social and political issues, aspects of French artistic culture including film and literature texts.
A level Spanish: As well as improving your skills in the Spanish language, studying this Filton-based A level will foster a range of transferable skills including communication, critical thinking, research skills and creativity, which will be invaluable to you as you progress to further study and the wider world.
You will experience an integrated study which focuses on language, culture, and society.
The arts
If you're someone who has a passion for the arts, whether that's visual arts, theatre, music, photography or dance, SGS has a range of courses that will inspire you. Bristol Live took a look at the two newest additions awarded by University of the Arts London.
UAL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Photography: This exciting course will allow you to experiment with the traditional and digital technical aspects of image making while developing your own style and creative confidence.
You will have access to high-quality facilities such as a darkroom, print workshop and Mac suite led by expert tutors. The diploma is equivalent to an A level in photography and carries the same amount of UCAS points.
UAL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Visual Arts: This qualification is designed to introduce you to the breadth and diversity of specialisms within visual arts allowing you to both experiment and specialise.
Exploring different creative practices and methodologies, you will be able to try traditional and modern techniques. This course holds the same amount of UCAS points as an A level in the same subject.
What else does SGS College offer?
As well as the new courses, there's a range of well-established courses that can take you in a variety of professional and vocational directions.
For example, those with a love of gaming may be interested in heading over to speak with the esports department during the open event.
SGS offers the L3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Esports qualification that takes place in The Brunel Centre, a purpose-built facility, constructed to deliver technology and media subjects.
This course will set you up for a career in a fast-growing global industry which sees players competing one-on-one or in teams.
Another route that many people choose at SGS is to undertake a T level. While this qualification is still fairly new, it offers a great alternative to A levels and can be a good fit for those wanting to enter employment in a skilled role or progress to university.
The two-year technical courses are equivalent to three A levels and include a 45-day work placement. In fact, students spend 80% of their time in the classroom, while the other 20% is spent gaining invaluable experience during industry placement, putting what's learnt in the classroom into action.
But why should you choose SGS over other education providers? Tom Henderson, learning area manager for creative media at SGS Stroud, has the answer: "SGS is ready for the future. Our programmes are fresh, vibrant and current.
"Our students want to be here, they find their tribe and can express themselves in the ways they have always wanted to. The investment of the staff in their students in helping them reach their goals is inspiring. We are connected, aspiring and ambitious!"
To find out more about the routes into education, visit the SGS website, here. You can book your place at the open event, here.
