Young people worried about the future: Hear from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College

Youthwatch Darlington wanted to find out from local education professionals their tips and suggestions for students who may be worrying more this year due to the uncertain months that are ahead of us. 

1. Where can I turn if I want to talk to someone about what’s happening in school/sixth form/college, if I am feeling anxious about new rules, routines or I am unsure about something?

There are several people at the sixth form college who can help in a situation like this.  Reception staff are many students’ first point of call, if the concern is about routines and practical arrangements.  If a wellbeing issue arises, students can speak to their Progress Tutor and, for serious concerns, to their Guidance and Wellbeing Director.  We also have staff trained to support students with an acute mental health problem as well as access to external counselling and listening services.

2. How has the school/college/sixth form environment changed as a result of the pandemic?

In some ways it’s very much business as usual.  Teachers are teaching, students are learning and everyone is supporting each other.  Of course, there are some practical differences: classrooms are configured differently, masks are worn in corridors and we are all navigating a one-way system. The atmosphere is actually very calm and students are as positive and cooperative as usual; maybe even more so.

3. Where can I go for help in my school/sixth form/college if I feel the pandemic has affected my anxiety?

Each student is assigned a Guidance and Wellbeing Director, a bit like a head of year, who deals with situations such as this and who is able to point students to the best sources of support.

4. For planning my future such as work experience and CV building who is the best person to talk to?

We have a lot of support for future-planning.  For Work Experience, see Sarah Griffiths, our Work Experience Coordinator.  For general Careers Guidance, our HE and Careers Advisers are Liz Bryan and Alice Atkinson.  We also have a large team of progress tutors who help with CV writing, applications to employment and training and preparation for university.

5. I’m unsure about my future right now, should I know by now what I want to do next?

Not necessarily.  If you are a first year (Year 12) I would say that keeping your options open is often the best approach.  If you are in the second year, and wanting to go to university, now is the time to be researching your options and preparing to apply.  For those looking for employment or training next year, there is still time to explore options.  The most important thing is to take advice, research widely and, when you can, get relevant experience.

6. How many students know exactly what they want to do next, am I alone in not knowing?

If we are talking about students beginning the sixth form, I would say very few.  One of the best things about the kind of courses we offer is that they keep lots of doors open for people who are unsure about their next steps.

7. Have your own career ideas changed as you have progressed?

I have always been a teacher, which is quite unusual these days.  Most people change direction and focus as they go through their career.  It can be a good idea to try different pathways and to experience different types of work.  At the same time, having a clear focus can help you to get on.

8. What tips of tools would you recommend to help students with their own career decisions?

There is a huge range of resources out there, too many to list.  For students at our college, a dedicated Careers Website is available which includes resources, guidance and activities to help with careers planning.  The best tip I could give to any student is to get careers advice and act upon it.