Barston Blog

Faith Wilson is a counsellor with over 10 years' experience helping people work through trauma and grief to improve their lives. We spoke to her to get some expert tips for dealing with redundancy and job loss. “Why do we find dealing with redundancy so difficult?”…

We often hear that people don’t have the time to study a course, or they’re worried that the course will take up too much of the spare time they do have. After all, it’s only natural to want to have time to relax as well as time for daily commitments, right? In…

Quick Links How to get motivated How to stay motivated Sandra's story Do you often find yourself lacking the motivation to change your circumstances? It’s probably more common than you think.    But is your lack of motivation due to not feeling fulfilled in your job? A recent global study…

Quick Links Dislike your job? You're not the only one… Sandeep's story What are the payment options? Once that all important wage has hit our bank account, the large majority of us prioritise "important" activities and items that we…

Applying to universities and even deciding where to apply can be an overwhelming time. Reputation, location, accommodation - there are so many different factors to consider. Chances are if you’re looking into applying to university, you’ve probably heard the term ‘Russell Group’. Here we’ll break down everything you need…

With the furlough scheme soon coming to an end, you may be wondering what your next career move will be. Some questions that could be running through your head may include: When does furlough end? What happens after furlough? Which jobs are in-demand? We understand that this can…

You and every other Barston College student have most likely been studying in your PJs throughout this pandemic, and who can blame you? But now that this latest lockdown has been lifted and businesses are starting to get ‘back to normal’, chances are you’ll be attending a face-to-face…

Barston College tutors are readily available to help our pupils when they need it through our Personal Tutor Support service. We’ve decided to interview Tom Hollins, our Head of Department for English and social sciences, to find out more about his life and what motivated him to work for…

When you start looking after a dog, knowing how to take care of your new pet can be a little overwhelming. From suitable food for dogs to recommended exercise each day, we cover everything you need to know about caring for your precious pooch.So, if you’re wondering ‘what food…

Many of you may still associate learning with classrooms and face-to-face teaching. However, online training has grown in popularity and is now the norm for people accessing continued education.  This change is, in part, due to how busy people’s lives have become and the need for…

In life, there’s no ‘one size fits all’. Nowhere does this rule apply more than in therapy; what works for one person may not necessarily work for another, and there are certainly no hard and fast rules. Good counsellors and therapists know that making true progress with a client…

If you aren't familiar with writing bibliographies as part of your assignments, it can feel pretty confusing. Often, bibliographies are an afterthought or something left to the last minute. However, if you collect the information as you study, bibliographies can be a hassle-free part of your project. …

Whether you’re 16 or 36, the world of training and learning can be confusing. With lots of terminology and a good degree of jargon to get your head around, you might feel like you’ve already earned a qualification simply by understanding what all the different terms mean. In…

Effective leadership takes many forms and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution on how to step up to the front. But by gaining an understanding of what it takes to lead, you can set your sights on the top and make achieving your goals a little simpler. Gaining leadership skills…

NVQ is an acronym for National Vocational Qualification. It is a work-based qualification that is designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to perform a specific job. NVQs are available at various qualification levels, from entry-level to postgraduate, and can be completed in a wide…

When you think about it, volunteering helps out in all sorts of ways – not least benefiting life-changing causes around the world. And sparing some of your free time to make a difference can also give you a big boost when it comes to applying for certain higher education…

Please note, this article is for education and advice on the available funding options only. We are unfortunately unable to accept loans at this time  Whatever your age, circumstances and background, building skills is one of the best ways to achieve your career goals. But accessing…

Us Muggles may not have a vault in Gringotts or a mind for magic, but that hasn’t stopped a generation dreaming of joining the wizarding world. But say an owl did drop a Hogwarts letter down your chimney – would you be up for enrolling at the famous School…

If you aren't familiar with them, UCAS Tariff Points can be a little confusing. But basically, the UCAS Points Table is an easy way for universities to work out what your qualifications are worth in a simple, straightforward figure. Not every university uses UCAS Tariff Points to assess your results,…

According to W.C. Fields, you should “never work with children or animals” but we think that’s a load of rubbish. As far as aspirational careers go, working with both parties sounds OK to us – especially when you consider the range of rewarding jobs on offer. If your…

What are your weaknesses? Why do you want to work for us?  Could you explain this gap on your CV? These types of interview questions are likely a source of dread for many applicants, but by understanding what's required and what the interviewer is really looking for, you can…

Most of us are familiar with GCSEs. These are mandatory exams taken in Years 10 and 11, and are the gateway to further education including A-levels. But did you know that GCSEs are also offered in other countries? The IGCSE, or International International General Certificate…

It’s a well-established fact that people learn differently. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. So, with that in mind, let's explore what learner type you could be. You may find that hands-on learning works best for you, while your friend may prefer to…

Whatever job you’re applying for, a CV is your foot in the door. These professional profiles have the power to make or break your future career, so it’s essential you give yours the attention it deserves. To help you write a job-landing CV, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide with…