Bethan's story

Bethan is in Year 9 and decided to study textiles alongside her core GCSE subjects, combined with a City & Guilds Land-Based Studies Certificate Level 1 specialising in Animal Care, which she will study at college.

She talked to a range of people, including her parents, teachers, Connexions personal adviser and friends. She was attracted to the vocational course because it would give her the opportunity to do something practical in a subject she was interested in:

'I have loads of animals at home and I love looking after them. I chose to do Animal Care partly because I think I might like to work with animals in the future and also so that I can do something more hands-on.'

Bethan's parents were initially concerned, fearing that she might be missing out on other qualifications in school. After discussions with her teachers and the college tutor they were reassured - she would still gain around seven GCSEs, and also achieve a vocational qualification equivalent to D-G grades at GCSE.

Bethan thinks she might like to continue at college full time after Year 11 and study for further qualifications. 'I'm looking forward to going to college and spending time with the animals.

I'm also looking forward to meeting people from other schools. It will be a good preparation for going to college after Year 11.'