Barston Blog

We have a wide variety of articles to inform, educate and amuse you as part of your learning journey! Whether you're starting your learning journey or at an advanced stage, we like to think that there's something of interest for everyone in our blog.

Latest Post

How to Take Better Notes at GCSE and A-Level

Taking notes is such a familiar part of studying that it is easy to assume we already know how to do it. You read a chapter, watch a lesson or work through some course material, writing down the important points as you go. By the end, several pages have…
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14 Jul '23

The changing landscape of university applications

With A-level Results Day just over a month away, figures released by UCAS suggest that the number of school-leavers heading off to university in September will be the second-highest on record at just over 319 500. After the last couple of pandemic-affected years, does this…
13 Jul '23

Considering a career in computing? Here's what you need to know

The rising influence of AI and digital innovation in our daily lives is inspiring a new generation of computing experts. According to UCAS figures, there is a record number of applicants for computing courses at universities, nearly 95 000 in total. That's up from 86…
22 Jun '23

How to highlight your internship experience on your cover letter

You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. Internships are a great way to get around this problem. A study by Zippia found that 70% of surveyed interns were hired by the same company they interned for at the…
30 May '23

From Apprentice to Distinction: Jake's Success Story at Barston College

We have some fantastic news to share at Barston College – our first-ever apprentice in Business Administration, Jake, has successfully completed his apprenticeship six months ahead of schedule with a distinction! Jake joined us in February 2022 and has been working in various departments within Barston College, including…
21 Mar '23

Emojis In Modern Day Communication

Emojis have become an integral part of modern-day communication, allowing us to express emotions, actions, objects, and ideas. Today, emojis are now used in almost all forms of communication, including social media posts, text messages, emails, and even in online learning. These tiny digital images have revolutionised the…
Reading time: 3 minutes

Why Schools and Academies are Struggling to Keep Up with Curriculum Demands

In this blog post, we explore the reasons why traditional education is struggling to keep up with curriculum demands and how we could help
13 Dec '22

Evolution of Children’s Most Popular Toys

Children’s toys have been created since we discovered our own opposable thumbs. Of course, as with everything else, toys have changed plenty over the years. No longer is straw sticking out of the garments of our dolls, and roll tops are considered severely outdated So we have gathered…
Reading time: 4 minutes
12 Dec '22

How Distance Learning Can Save You Money

The cost of traditional education is a primary factor as to why many people choose not to further their education. Students often take on huge loans in order to pay for courses, tuition, support, accommodation and other associated expenses. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to traditional or campus-based education…
Reading time: 6 minutes
20 Oct '22

Student Beans: How to Apply and Get Discounts

Everybody loves saving money, especially students! Barston College is proud to be registered as a learning provider with Student Beans - the world’s leading student loyalty network that offers exclusive discounts on great brands such as PrettyLittleThing, Gymshark, asos and many more. Student Beans has discounts…
Reading time: 2 minutes
31 Aug '22

Qualification Levels Explained: What Do they mean?

Courses come in different levels and sizes to suit everybody. In this blog, we explain what all those different qualification levels mean...
18 Aug '22

GCSE Results Day 2024: Next Steps?

Thursday 22nd August 2024 marks this year's GCSE results day. You'll likely go through all sorts of emotions - nervous, excited, anxious - and have a lot to think about. We've put together this guide to help you prepare for the big day and understand how it all…
24 Jul '22

How to Apply for a TOTUM PRO Card (NUS Extra)

When you enrol on a course with Barston College, your student status will make you eligible for a TOTUM PRO card! What's a TOTUM PRO card? To quote NUS, ‘TOTUM is the NUS Extra card evolved’. Giving you the same discounts we know you love, you’ll enjoy extra features through…
Reading time: 3 minutes
9 May '22

Mental Health Awareness Week

What is Mental Health Awareness Week? Mental Health Awareness Week is an annual event founded over 20 years ago, dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging conversations and supporting Mental Health in the UK and worldwide. "On a population-wide basis, the negative mental health effects of the pandemic are…
30 Mar '22

What Does a Bookkeeper Do?

Whether they’re monitoring revenue coming in or money going out, bookkeepers are crucial to every company’s success. Without dependable bookkeeping, companies would be in big trouble – both legally and financially. As such, a good bookkeeper is a vital figure in any business. But many people might not…

Why Study GCSE & A-level Biology?

Biology is the scientific study of living organisms. The word ‘biology’ literally means the study of life, deriving from the Greek bios (life) logia (to study). It’s one of the three main branches of science, along with chemistry and physics. Biology covers living things, whether human, plant or…
21 Mar '22

How to Convert IB to UCAS Points

Earning UCAS points is the traditional way to get into UK universities. It is fairly straightforward to work out your overall points total using the UCAS calculator. Students will typically earn their points at sixth form age, between 16-18 years old. Performance in exams…
17 Mar '22

Starting Your Own Business: What You Need to Know

Are you planning to start your own business? Being an entrepreneur appeals to many people. You choose what you do and where you work, with almost unlimited earning potential for successful business owners. With the possible rewards come risks. You’ll be entirely responsible for the business and its…
15 Mar '22

Everything You Need To Know About PRINCE2 Qualification

Project management is a booming industry. According to recent research, the world will need 25 million new project managers by 2030. Much of this is due to increased demand in sectors like mobile apps, healthcare technology, and IT security. These industries need people with project management qualifications…
10 Feb '22

Why You Should Consider a Career in Payroll

Payroll is an essential part of any company. Duties include making sure employees are paid correctly and on time, checking working hours, and calculating tax. If you’ve got strong maths and organisational skills, payroll offers a rewarding career path. Whether you’re starting out or considering a career…
3 Feb '22

6 Courses for Receptionists to Upskill

A receptionist role is ideal if you’re looking for a flexible day job. Reception work doesn’t necessarily require formal qualifications, though there are courses for receptionists for specific industries. You might choose a reception role if you’re a people person and have good organisational skills. A base knowledge…
26 Jan '22

How to get a promotion in 2022

This is the year. The year where fantastic things will happen, especially at work and you find out how to get a promotion in 2022. You’ll put in the effort, smash your goals and, hopefully, land that promotion you’ve been hoping for. Read on to explore and learn…

ELCAS Courses

What is the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC)? Looking to upskill or retrain? The MOD's Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme (ELC), provided through ELCAS, promotes lifelong learning for members of the UK's Armed Forces. The scheme, through approved ELCAS courses, provides financial support for up to three years to enable…
Reading time: 4 minutes

How to Get into University | Higher Education Courses

The United Kingdom has some of the best universities in the world. Not only do they offer world-class education, but they also boast beautiful venues, a life-changing student experience and bustling city experiences. If you're looking to study in the UK, getting into a university can seem like…
15 Dec '21

Changing My Career: Why It’s Never Too Late For a Fresh Start

With ‘The Great Resignation’ stealing headlines, the prospect of a career change has never been more pertinent. Though the term was coined in the United States in spring 2021, we’re seeing similar patterns in the UK. In November 2021, for example, it was revealed that one in four…
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