A level student Junior Boateng takes his studies and his charity work seriously.

Junior will sit exams in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology in July and has set his heights high –  aiming to achieve As in each.

Three A grades is what he needs to go on and study medicine at university, after which he hopes to specialise in orthopaedics.

But Junior has managed to balance those tough academic demands with volunteering, in his spare time, to help some of Leeds’ most vulnerable residents.

A supportive learning environment

He credits Leeds Sixth Form College for providing vital support for both pursuits.

He said: “Leeds Sixth Form College is a good place to study because the teachers are always willing to help.

“They always make you aware that they are here to assist so when I don’t get stuff at first I know I can go to them and they’re happy to explain to me, whether that be in person or online. They are always very responsive.”

Junior’s charity work, meanwhile, is done through a church in Leeds and focuses on those who are living on the streets or have hit a low point.

Offering a helping hand

He said: “We seek out people who are in need and are easily forgotten by society.

“Through our Night Angels programme, for example, we go out around town in the evenings and meet homeless people who come for food and drink. You meet all kinds of people, sometimes even university students who are struggling.

“We also put up notes on the bridges around Leeds to give a message to those who might be despairing, so they know there’s somebody out there who cares and can help.

“The college has been very supportive of this work and when I was organising a foodbank drive staff gladly helped by creating posters. Quite a few people also brought in donations, which really helped us be able to serve hot meals to people in need.”

Student Nicholas Sappor Charles credits strong support from his tutors for helping him take important steps towards medical school.

Nicholas, who moved to the UK from Ghana, is also grateful for the flexibility that Leeds Sixth Form College has granted him as he works towards his goal.

His first experience of the college was when he enrolled on the Access Foundation GCSE programme last year. He ended up completing that course with six GCSEs, including in Combined Science Synergy – a double qualification which combines biology, chemistry and physics.

Nicholas is now busy studying chemistry, biology and maths A levels – and is grateful for all the guidance he has received.

The benefits of a flexible approach

He said: “Leeds Sixth Form College has been a good experience so far. I enrolled on the Access GCSE course after speaking with a career advisor at college, who told me what I needed to do to get into medical school. 

“I was enrolled on a five GCSE programme but, in order to increase my chances of getting into as many universities as possible, the college also allowed me to do one extra GCSE, in business.

“That was a great opportunity which I am very grateful for. It was a bit tricky because timetables would clash, but my tutor was always there to help and explain things, plus give feedback on tests.”

An enriching and welcoming environment

Nicholas is also appreciative of the many enrichment activities that the college has arranged during his A level studies, and for making him feel welcome.

He said: “The teachers are friendly and helpful and are always ready to answer your questions. I am also highly impressed by the number of opportunities – including work experience, massive open online courses, and virtual skills development programmes – they try to make available to us.

“I was shy and a bit anxious due to the change of environment when I came to the UK, but college has really helped me grow in confidence and make me feel like I belong.”