What Our Students Say

We asked Mason, one of our previous students, to share his experience of the Camden Pathways Programme.

Mason's Background

Because he was at risk of exclusion from his Camden secondary school, Mason was referred to the Camden Pathways Programme. When we met with him, he showed an interest in a course in construction so we arranged an interview at Westminster Kingsway College. Mason did well in the interview and was offered a place on their Level 1 Multi-skills construction course with Maths and English.

From the outset, Mason felt more engaged by the construction course than he had by mainstream school. He built good relationships with his teachers and the other students, and by the end of Year 10 he had completed his L1 Multi-skills. In recognition of his effort, Mason was awarded the College Director’s Award and an apprenticeship over the summer holidays.

In Year 11, Mason chose to specialise in Plumbing, and was offered a place at Westminster Kingsway College for his Diploma in Plumbing with Maths and English GCSE. Mason enjoyed the course and supported other students in his class, acting as a role model and mentor helping them to turn things around. 

We are all very proud of what Mason has achieved since he came to Camden Pathways. We wish him well for his future and know he will make a success of whatever he chooses to do.

Mason shares his experience...

What was your experience of being in mainstream school?

I found it hard to engage because I was doing subjects I wasn't interested in rather than studying things I wanted to do as a career. College work is more practical which suits me because I feel I am better at learning in hands-on subjects.

Why were you referred to college in Year 10?

I was on the verge of getting permanently excluded due to getting into minor issues that added up to negative behaviour points.

What was your feeling about the referral? 

At first I thought it wouldn’t be for me. But after discussing it with people and seeing it for myself I saw a different aspect of learning.

What has worked well for you at college?

The style of teaching is different and I felt that the staff at the college understand you more and speak to you better.

Looking back, was it the right choice for you to move from mainstream school to college in Year 10?

Yes, 100%. If I had to choose again I wouldn’t change my mind.

What are your biggest achievements in the last 2 years?

Getting my diploma and student of the year. I felt very proud and didn’t think I’d be able to do that. Coming from mainstream school, I thought I was never going to achieve this and I did.

Is there anything that could have improved your experience at college?

No, I can’t complain about anything.

What would you say to someone else considering a place in alternative provision?    

Go for it, try and accomplish as much as you can, the Camden Pathways team will help you.

What are your plans for the future?

I’ve been accepted onto two courses related to my interests and I am still deciding which college will be the best for me. In the future I want to challenge myself and push myself although it may be hard.

“I'm really proud of what I’ve achieved, it’s motivated me to want to do more. I currently am in the process of starting a business designing and making household furniture.”

 

- Mason, Camden Pathways student