Steph Durkin

Steph described Hartlepool Sixth Form College as empowering, enlightening and fun. Aside from her studies, Steph took part in drama shows with the college including We Will Rock You and The Wizard of Oz, as well as performing as part of a Shakespeare festival in Liverpool.

She said: “I chose to study at Hartlepool Sixth Form College due to the college’s excellent reputation for arts education. I felt that attending a college separate from a secondary school gave me a step towards independence and the next chapter of my education. It was also a bonus that a lot of my friends chose the college too.

The thing I liked best about the college was the Performing Arts department. I loved the freedom we had in lessons to explore our interests and make our own decisions. There were so many opportunities to participate in the world of performing arts. We had workshops from professionals, theatre trips locally and to London and participated in arts events that were taking place in Hartlepool and beyond.

In terms of the course, I especially enjoyed the module in ‘the world of work’ where we found out about the different lines of work an artist can pursue in the arts. I also loved that we did a yearly show for everybody in college to participate in, as it allowed me to make friends with people who I wouldn’t have otherwise have met. Furthermore, I loved that in college we were treated as adults, and our choices were respected and listened to”.

After completing her A-Levels she studied a degree in Drama at Northumbria University before moving onto a Master’s programme at York St John University.