I was so motivated to do this course I actually moved from London to Edinburgh to study at Stevenson. This seemed to be the only Access to Languages in the whole of the UK.
I was firstly surprised that there was no test to get into the course. I had by last August applied and sat almost every Access To Humanities Course Test in London. I found the London colleges very competitive and the content of the courses looked tough. I got into to all but still needed the languages which Stevenson offered so I decided to move up here. Assuming the atmosphere would be the same in Edinburgh I was ready. I was surprised at first how slow the course picked up and did occasionally feel it was a little too slow. However, I did have to bear in mind that others in the class had been out of education for even longer than me.
All the teachers were very helpful and good at what they did. I had no fear of being left alone in anyway. Every teacher had a different approach on how to tackle the course. I liked Scott's approach in particular because we knew where we were, and were able to get through the various assessments at our own pace. The requirements we were meant to meet in his subject were achieved by all. I also particularly enjoyed History, I feel that I have learnt so much, and even though I am not planning to study it at university I have more of an interest in History than I have ever had. The essays Evan gave us to write were very helpful for preparing essay writing at university. I think that this course has also enabled us to really help each other as a class. For example if I have any problems in History Norman would be happy to explain things. This was an enriching experience which I feel I personally benefited from!
The language teachers are very good on this course. The Spanish teachers are all native! How fantastic, no student could ask for more as well as the opportunity to practise with inter- cambio students. Not many colleges offer this.
Although I found the overall course an enriching and positive experience, I did find it slightly slow at times and wished that the work overload was more regular. I would have also liked more IT training because I still think I'm rubbish. Maybe more drop in classes for students who need extra help or who are foreigners could be another idea to put in place. Marks would have been good too , we are marked at university and it would be a good notion of progress and targets to meet. Being penalised for late hand in's would maybe of helped some stay on track. Knowing which class room we would be in would have been nice, but that's more the college management than anything else. Sometimes class rooms were not big enough or too small.
I feel that I have progressed in every subject but the biggest step for me was the Spanish. I jumped from Higher Spanish to Advanced Higher having only been learning the language for a year to me seems like good progress! I feel very ready for university and I look forward to starting as soon as possible. My time management has also improved. It hasn't been ideal because I have worked a lot during this course but the advice from teachers has been used.
I feel that I have achieved study skills, working to dead lines, researching and also knowing what type of studying suits me best. As now a reflective learner, I come out of class and reflect on the main points of the class and ask myself " what have I learnt and how I am going to apply this in my studies". I am happy I chose this course, it would be great if Stevenson wasn't the only Access to Languages in the UK.
