Kim's Story

Kim chose to study a vocational course in salon studies (hairdressing) alongside GCSE English, mathematics, science, ICT and drama in Years 10 and 11. She liked the idea of doing something to gain practical skills that she could use in the future. Kim also finds academic work quite difficult.

Kim has enjoyed the course and said that it has been a mixture of practical and theoretical work:

'We have been taught how to do things properly, like straightening and styling hair. It's been good to have a break from school once a week and do something more practical. I've also enjoyed meeting new people.'

Kim was originally interested in hairdressing as a career. Although she has enjoyed the course, she has decided she would like to work with children. Despite this she said the course has been helpful in many ways:

'I have learnt a lot about working with people, which will be useful. I've also got to know my way around the college and got used to the travelling, which will be helpful next year.'

Kim is planning to study childcare at college after Year 11 and afterwards hopes to work in a nursery. Both her predicted GCSE grades and her NVQ Level 1 have helped to secure a place at college and she is looking forward to starting in September.