There’s never been a better time to be making choices at 16. If you’re currently in Year 11 in Tower Hamlets, you’ll have access to a huge range of future learning and employment opportunities right here on your doorstep.
It’s a very exciting time but also a challenging and confusing one! You may discover courses in subject areas you have never explored before. You may have a very clear idea of what you want to do in your career but may be unsure which courses will help you get there. You may move to a different school, go on to college or become an apprentice and learn while you work. You will find Tower Hamlets offers a wide choice.
Start by asking yourself a few basic questions and don’t forget to find out what learning level you’re at and the different qualifications available to you. You can then search our course listings to find details of courses available to you.
How do I learn best?
- on my own, with textbooks and internet sources?
- in class discussions and working with a team?
- with lots of support and guidance from teachers/tutors?
- by ‘practical, hands-on activity eg through experiments?
- by following clear instructions?
- by watching experts at work?
- by diving in and having a go myself?
- a combination of some or all of these?
Where do I learn best?
- in a small informal atmosphere?
- in a structured environment?
- where it’s busy, or ‘buzzing’?
- with people of my own age?
- with people from a wide range of backgrounds?
- in a real workplace – or work-based setting
What do I want to be doing at age 19?
- starting university?
- continuing specialist training?
- have my first foot on the career ladder?
How do I choose where to study?
For the first time in your learning life, you really have a choice. It all depends on you and what you want.
School Sixth Forms
- vary in size (in Tower Hamlets 100 to 500+ learners)
- give you the chance to be part of a whole school community – you might get opportunities to support younger students and take senior responsibilities
- ensure you’re well supported but also expect you to take responsibility for your own learning
- offer a range of academic qualifications like A levels and some vocational and applied options
- have good links to universities
College or Further Education
- enrol thousands of students over 16, some colleges will offer opportunities to younger learners too
- ensure you’re well supported but also expect you to take responsibility for your learning
- employ specialist advisers to support you with personal and financial issues and job and university applications
- offer a wide range of academic, vocational and applied options
- have good links to universities
- have strong links to employers
Training Providers
- have teachers with relevant and recent industry experience
- provide hands-on opportunities to build and develop your skills – often with access to industry standard facilities and equipment
- give you a second chance to get essential qualifications by learning in a new way
- offer ‘job ready’ qualifications such as apprenticeships
- specialise in the skills required by employers in a particular sector
- may require you to purchase and wear specialist equipment or clothing
- have strong links to employers
