Buxton & Leek College — Attraction in Staffordshire Moorlands

I did a 2 year long BTEC in Art & Design here! I loved my time on the course, although a large majority was because of my good classmates.

I'll start with criticisms because I believe I'd benefit from knowing these beforehand. The communication between teachers is awful. During the briefs, the teachers won't say the same thing and refuse to talk to each other. You're constantly giving updates about what you think they should know already given they share a staff room.

I also feel I could have really benefitted from more consideration on my grades. Especially since I suffer with Complex PTSD and amnesia, which makes things like college a thousand times harder. When I asked if we could contact the exam board for special consideration, this was rejected and I was told it doesn't exist - when it does. I feel like only a couple of my teachers listened to me when I brought up my mental health struggles.

If you're studying art, you might also have Autism &/or ADHD - they're not the greatest with these struggles and can invalidate you sometimes. For example, I struggle with my focus and felt like I was treated as stupid or a lost cause, or actually a little annoying. Though I suppose that's part of having the disorder in the first place. You might not feel it's too different from a high-school experience. People want to help but don't struggle with what you do, so it's hard to be understood by your tutors.

I felt this course wasn't best suited for my way of working. I work very sporadically, however the course demands structured working for the mark scheme. Like proof of planning and lengthy artist research with explanations of how they link to your work to get a decent grade. For me, I don't really benefit that much from artist research or having to plan my artworks and it can be extremely difficult with my ADHD. When you add on amnesia, panic attacks, and flashbacks, you'll find it's much harder. Mind you, you are marked the exact same as others with no difficulty planning if you have these struggles. As a result, I consistently felt worse for something I couldn't really control, with no extra consideration.

If you're looking for connections to the Art industry, they don't really have too many unless it's the Outside project. I didn't really get work experience as a Fine Artist, although again, that could be because of the area the college is and the nature of the career. If you do go here, it doesn't mean you will be unsuccessful. I am now going to CSM to study Fine Art at UAL after this course.

Pros: Cheap canteen food right next to your art course, you get to explore a variety of practices in Art and Design, a mix of self-led projects and industry brief-led projects, lots of materials you can use, ceramics/photography/print/textiles/etc opportunities. Teachers specialise in woodwork, photography, textiles, and ceramics. Good if you are always self-led in your artwork.

Cons: Low communication between teachers, harder for people who have Autism/ADHD or considerable mental health issues, staff might be picky if you can use materials since everything is expensive.

The people on your course will really be a luck of the draw, some classes are quiet whilst others have been loud. I was lucky with my class as we were small and all got along. As for the teachers, I think there were two supportive ones out of the four, one can be extremely strict and another can be quite controlling of your work, the other two let you get on with your own work and help where they can, remaining respectful of your ideas. Overall, you might need thick skin and no issues to have an amazing time. I'd rate my experience good thanks to my classmates and two...

Terrible communication. Both as employers and as educators. A few years back it took months to get anywhere with a course I was interested in. As employers they give no info, routine, or guidance. No training was offered until 3 months later. Hired and promised work that never came. Disrespectful of my time. It’s a shame as I connected with students who are struggling with attendance and learning at the college but I was never given the opportunity to make a difference. The college made a difference to me in that it has completely crushed my spirit for months waiting around when I really tried at the start. It’s a total scam pushing kids to achieve when they as employers don’t make room or care for the younger employees they hire. Where do you expect these kids to go after they graduate? Hypocrisy. Your child is better off in an...

My god the communication is awful! For months I’ve been trying to get into a class and someone to contact me back. NOPE! No idea who runs this place but really not happy how the staff does not communicate with each other. All I want is to join up Adult Maths and English, not hard right? But where is the phone call back where is the email back. NOTHING!

Really not happy. I will be going to the Open day in June and I’m expecting to speak to someone about joining the Adult Maths and English course. If still nothing I will contact the head of this University and speak to them myself, if that doesn’t work the head of Board of University of Education.

All I want is too join the Adult Maths and English. Nothing. Really not happy with...