Sponsored Editorial

Students at Kent’s newest A Level provider have been loving the experience since joining just two months ago.

EKC Sixth Form College, on New Dover Road in Canterbury, welcomed its first students in September. Offering a whopping 23 A Levels, the new provision boasts greater choice at a single site than anywhere else in east Kent. Aside from more traditional courses, the Sixth Form College also offers subjects such as Criminology, Photography, Classics, Environmental Science, and Textiles.

Samantha Gatland is studying four A Levels; Maths, Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology. She said: “What first caught my eye was the sheer range of courses on offer, as well as its location. My decision to enrol here came down to my final interview where I saw the enthusiasm from the teachers for EKC Sixth Form College.

“It’s an amazing place to study, I’m so glad I made the decision to come here. I truly trust the teachers; they’re kind, lovely, and I have full faith in their teaching ability.”

Each subject area is given a boost by strong existing industry and university links that have been developed by EKC Group’s six Colleges. This has already enabled those wanting to join the medical field to visit Kent and Medway Medical School, where a doctor and current students gave a talk before guiding them on a tour of the facilities.

Samantha added: “I have aspirations of going into medicine, which the Sixth Form has offered support and opportunities for through trips to university fairs and the University of Kent. I think it’s very important to have networking opportunities early in the year to grow our key skills and organise our university options. “

State-of-the-art facilities also help students to best prepare for their future lives at university or in the workplace. Fully-equipped laboratories, modern classrooms, and a large gym and sports hall complex are all available for students to use to enhance their studies.

Other existing facilities that benefit learners include a large Learning Resource Centre, a refectory and separate bistro with ever-changing menus, and a student wellbeing centre. In the latter, learners can access confidential counselling and advice if they are struggling with their courses or anything else in their lives. This wraparound support ensures all students are well positioned to maximise their time at the Sixth Form.

Another place they can do this is the Students’ Union, who are there to make sure students are happy and confident both inside and outside the EKC Sixth Form College campus. The Union organises a range of trips and events designed to enrich students’ experiences, help them make new friends, and explore their interests.

More than that, the style of education at EKC Sixth Form College offers students the opportunity to learn in a more mature environment, giving them the flexibility they need to develop key skills that will benefit them alongside their core studies.

Kai Guthrie, who is studying Business, Physical Education, and Photography A Levels, said: “I’ve really enjoyed the first two months - there hasn’t been a single day that I’ve not wanted to come in. The people here are lovely and you make friends really easily.

“I’d recommend people look into coming to EKC Sixth Form College because it’s been a great decision for me, so it’s well worth researching. It’s a great balance between secondary and college, as you have the freedom of college but the tight-knit community of secondary school.”

EKC Sixth Form College’s Principal, Emma Wilkinson, is often on hand to support students and ensure the learning environment remains the perfect place to learn.

She said: “It’s been a fantastic term for EKC Sixth Form College, which has seen us already begin to fulfil our vision of creating an inclusive and enjoyable place to study and thrive. Our students have taken to life at our Sixth Form extremely well, it’s brilliant to see how much they are learning, pushing themselves, and making friends.

“The encouragement to explore subjects, engage in wrap-around support and to make the most of the on-site facilities make EKC Sixth Form College the perfect springboard into Higher Education and employment, as they give students a sense of personal responsibility and trust that will prove incredibly useful in achieving their ambitions when they progress.”

For more information on EKC Sixth Form College and its courses, click here.