Beth

What’s the benefit of being on the Aspire Programme?

As well as supporting me through the university application process, the College’s Aspire Programme was useful as we often had debates or presented to the class, which helped me develop my public speaking skills and overall confidence.

How have you found learning languages at the College?

I took part in the French trip to Normandy which helped me improve my speaking skills and was lots of fun. Language lessons are taught in a fun and interactive way at the College and the additional hour a week with a native language assistant, is brilliant for helping us improve our speaking skills.

How is learning a modern foreign language beneficial?

The sense of achievement you get when you realise how much you’re improving is immense. I think studying languages gives you an extra string to your bow. Being able to make yourself understood and appreciating cultural differences makes relationship building easier, whether that’s in Business or while on a trip.

What did you do for your Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)?

I investigated the severity of the punishment BP received after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and whether it was just. I would recommend completing an EPQ as it’s great for improving research skills. I particularly enjoyed having the freedom to choose what I wanted to focus on and also liked being able to work independently.