Why attending a college taster session could be the best decision you make this summer
College Taster Sessions
As Year 11 comes to an end, you’re probably looking forward to finishing your exams and enjoying a well-earned break. But before September arrives, there’s one thing that could make a huge difference to your college journey – attending a taster session.
Whether you’ve already applied for a course or you’re still weighing up your options, a taster session gives you the chance to experience college life and explore the subjects that interest you before making your final decision.
Taster sessions are taking place towards the end of June at all three of our Colleges: Rotherham College, North Notts College and Dearne Valley College.
Before then, here’s a run down of what taster sessions are and why attending one (or more) could be the best decision you make this summer.
What is a Taster Session?
A taster session gives you the chance to experience a course before you commit to it. You’ll get a feel for what lessons are like, meet tutors, explore facilities and try hands-on activities related to the subject.
They only last for two-and-a-half hours and are a chance for you to get your bearings around campus and ask any questions about the course before you officially enrol in September.
Whether you’re considering one course or several different options, a taster session can help you make a more confident decision about your future.
Still not sure what you want to study?
Don’t worry – you’re not the only one.
Lots of students reach the end of Year 11 without being 100% certain about what course they want to study. Choosing your next step can feel like a big decision, especially when there are so many exciting opportunities available.
That’s where taster sessions come in.
Taster sessions allow you to try subjects you may not have considered before. You might arrive thinking one course is right for you and leave having discovered a completely new passion.
Trying a range of courses can help you understand what interests you most and where your strengths lie.
If you’re still deciding what to apply for, attending a taster session can give you valuable insight into what the course actually involves.
You’ll find out what you’ll be learning, the types of projects and assignments you’ll complete, what facilities and equipment you’ll use, and the careers and progression opportunities available.
This can make choosing your course much easier and help you avoid making a decision based on assumptions.
You could experience courses in:
- Animal Care
- Art, Graphic Design and Fashion
- Aviation
- Business, Accounting and Retail
- Catering and Hospitality
- Computing and Digital
- Construction
- Early Years and Education
- Engineering
- Esports
- Games Animation
- Hair and Beauty
- Health and Social Care
- Media Make-up
- Media and Photography
- Motor Vehicle
- Performing Arts and Music
- Protective Services
- Sport
Already applied? Your Taster Session is even more important
Taster sessions aren’t just for students who haven’t applied yet.
If you’ve already submitted your application and been offered a place at one of our three colleges, you’ll be invited to attend a taster session for your chosen course.
You might be thinking why would you need to come into college again when you’ve already got a place and picked your course. You’ve no doubt already seen the campus at an open event and probably met a couple of staff members.
But taster sessions are an important way to confirm that you’ve chosen the right course before starting in September.
You’ll get to find out more about the course you’ve chosen and visualise what your first year at college will look like. Your tutor won’t go too deep into the curriculum, but you’ll get a taste of what’s to come.
If you love it, you’ll head into the summer feeling excited and confident about starting college. If you realise another course might suit you better, there’s still time to discuss your options before enrolment.
As well as the taster session for the course you’ve applied for, you might be able to attend another one in a different subject to make sure you’re happy with whatever course you settle on.
Maybe you know what subject you like but you’re torn between which specific course to do. You’re really creative, but should you take art, fashion or graphic design? You know you want to get a trade under your belt, but will that be bricklaying, plumbing or joinery? You want to gain some work experience, but should you do a T Level or an apprenticeship?
Think of it like an induction, helping you make that transition between school and college and knowing for certain you’re on the right pathway.
Get a taste of college life and build your confidence before September
College is different from school in lots of ways. You’ll have more independence, specialist facilities and the chance to focus on subjects you’re genuinely interested in.
But we know that starting somewhere new can feel nerve-wracking. However, students often tell us that attending a taster session helped them feel much more confident about beginning college.
A taster session helps take away some of the uncertainty by showing you exactly what to expect. You’ll become familiar with the campus, meet friendly staff and start feeling like part of the college community before your first official day.
By September, you’ll already know where you’re going, who you’ll be learning with and what your course involves.
That’s a great feeling to have when you’re taking the next step in your education.
Book your place via Admissions Manager
Whether you’re still deciding what you want to do next or you’ve already secured your place on a course, be sure to register for your place on our taster sessions.
You can do this via Admissions Manager where you can also track you application and find more information about enrolment later in the summer.
Each session is capped at between 12-20 students so places are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.
Taster sessions are taking place on:
Rotherham College: Monday 22nd and Tuesday 23rd June.
North Notts College: Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June.
Dearne Valley College: Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June.
Come along, get involved, ask questions and explore your future.
You never know – the course that shapes your future career could be the one you discover at a taster session.
We look forward to welcoming you soon!