September – it’s Back to School 2011
It’s hard to to believe that the summer is over, not that we had much summer in the UK, and that it’s back to school soon for thousands of children and young people.
Back to School 2011 – Last Chance for Lower Fees
For those about to go to university, it’s the last chance to get started before the fees go up dramatically, meaning that many young people have had to give up on the idea of a gap year. Fees in the UK are currently around £3000 per year, but set to double and in some cases triple. In fact, many more universities have decided to opt for the highest fees of £9000 per year than were expected to do so.
So for those young people sitting A level exams this year and next, the prospect of a university career is not so bright. Many are having to really think about whether or not a degree is worth the expense, especially in the current economic climate.
Back to School 2011- if not university, what?
If you won’t be able to afford a college education or don’t want to be weighed down by debt for the rest of your life, what are the alternatives?
Many young people are now opting for apprenticeships, which offer training in a profession or trade without the accompanying debt. However, it really depends on your career goals and for some careers there is no choice but to get a degree.
However, many degrees can now be completed via distance learning and done in your own time, at your own pace, allowing students to work while they are studying. A growing number of young people are choosing this option to avoid accumulating large debts, but this path does have a number of drawbacks.
Meanwhile, many of the youngsters still at school are studying more traditional subjects in the hope of getting an English baccalaureate or Ebacc
In order to receive an EBacc, school children have to get at least a C grade in the following GCSE subjects: maths, science, English, foreign language and history or geography. It is thought that many schools will encourage pupils to take these subjects, while unions feel this move will alienate many young people.
What are your thoughts on back to school 2011 and the changes in education?
| Filed Under: Education |
