YEAR 10 students from Westhoughton High School experienced a day at Wigan and Leigh College, sampling a range of subjects to see what they might like to apply for when they reach Year 11.

For most it was a first look around the college — which has centres of excellence in engineering, health and social care, creative arts and sport — and a chance to have an insight of what college life could offer them and what career opportunities are available to them.

Students could choose from subjects on the A Level Professional Honours Programme or vocational courses, which are available across five campuses at the college, in Parson's Walk, Wigan.

They experienced the new animal management facilities, worked in the state-of-the-art TV studio and those interested in a career in care had their taster session in the college’s own replica hospital ward.

Wigan and Leigh College says it places huge emphasis on making the transition between high school and college as smooth as possible and a positive and exciting experience for young people.

The day was aimed at helping students to decide what pathways are available and experiencing lessons, but it was also about having fun, getting to know staff and becoming familiar with the campus.

Principal of the college, Anna Dawe, said, “We had a record number of students who came to sample what life would be like as a student at Wigan and Leigh College, and we loved having them here.

"We are looking forward to meeting them all again with their parents for our open evenings in the autumn term.”