One thing I know for certain is that it is never too late to start heading in the right direction!
“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
Maria Robinson
Do you find yourself bored at school? Are you struggling to care about the work you do and the homework you submit? Do you catch yourself daydreaming about what life would be like at a college?
If this sounds like you, then something needs to change!
The first sign that you might need a change in direction is when you have no motivation to do well. During your A-Levels motivation is key. 50% of the work for A-Levels has to come direct from you. Your commitment, your dedication and your focus – if these are lacking it is time to ask yourself why.
Is it the subjects you have chosen? Is it the school you attend? Is it the way your teachers teach?
Let’s address a few of the challenges you may be facing and see if we can help you to make the right change for you.
#1 Do you have a passion for what you are studying?
What is passion? University applications look for you to demonstrate passion for your chosen area of study. For me, passion is shown when a student is enthusiastic about learning and wants to challenge and debate by presenting their own ideas. So, if you demonstrate that you are willing to invest your own time understanding the foundations
and theory behind your subject, which in turn would enable you to proactively engage in healthy class debate, then I would call this passion. Ask yourself the difficult question; Am I studying this subject because I genuinely want to understand more about it, or because it seemed like an easy choice?
#2 Do your subjects keep your brain active by presenting you with new challenges?
A healthy brain thrives on challenge, especially challenges that are personally relevant and will help you to achieve success. If your subjects do challenge you then this is something to embrace; challenge will enhance your research skills, decision making skills and help you to maintain a high level of self-esteem. Believing in yourself and continuing to challenge yourself will build your subject knowledge and help you to be successful within your chosen discipline.
#3 Is the environment you are in healthy?
For me, school was a difficult time. I didn’t necessarily like the subjects I had chosen, and the social element was difficult to navigate. I attended a large comprehensive school where I felt like just a number. Most teachers had classrooms jam packed full of students and not all students wanted to learn, they were simply there because they had to be. So, what is a healthy environment?
Here at Phoenix College Malaga we believe that the environment that we provide offers you the means and opportunity to achieve academic and mental well-being. We genuinely care about your development and ensure it is a priority in our daily routine, supporting you to be the best you can be. No-one here is just a number. If you feel like just a number, and don’t receive the praise you deserve, then make a change today for your own health and well-being.
#4 Are you allowed to use technology in the classroom?
Some schools have a policy that technology is a distraction and is therefore not allowed in the school. We now live in a digital era. No longer do we need to go to a library to research facts or gain quotes from relevant media. It is all available at the click of a button. The need for flexibility in our teaching methods and providing a creative environment to learning is critical to help you stay ahead. According to Pew Research Centre, 92% of teachers said that the internet has a major impact on their ability to access content, resources and materials. Technology is not a distraction: it can help encourage active participation making dull elements of a course interactive and fun. We have taken this stance because we believe A-Levels to be the bridge to your next academic step and life afterwards. Being independent, being treated like an adult, experiencing commuting and city life, using the technology available to you, all these and more are the bridge to your independence and future goals.
#5 Science lab… what science lab?
Some schools have difficulties when it comes to offering true life science experiments. I know one of my daughters was not able to perform any science experiments and had to take an ‘alternative to practical’ exam paper. I was astounding to learn that this was the norm for some schools. Science lab equipment gives you a first-hand learning experience and allows you to interact directly with the data gathered. Experiments enhance your understanding of specific scientific facts and concepts, why the abstract ideas presented are true, and how equations are developed. We believe that our college must provide an interesting and effective experience for you that will encourage you to delve into the complex theories of science.
Don’t be held back by what your school offers, find a college that works for you.
We believe the secret of success is found by truly understanding who you are. The jump from GCSEs to A-Levels is quite large. Why? Because A-Levels are preparing you for university and an independent life. If you are finding that where you are right now is not providing you the right opportunities to be your best, then come and have a chat. It is never too late to make a change.
For more information:
Email: info@phoenxicollegemalaga.com
Tel: 952 22 02 75