Sarah Wall

Doing a foundation year

I didn't get on with my art teachers and it nearly put me off doing art ever again but luckily I had a fantastic textiles teacher who encouraged me and I ended up at Arts Institute Bournemouth to do a foundation year to prepare me for university.

This is where I found out I was dyslexic, which was really good in a way as it made
me realise why I work differently and don't understand certain things. I got tutor support but it wasn't until I went to Falmouth that I got my bursary. Bournemouth was a great stepping stone for me as I still lived at home but still got to enjoy student life.

I finished my foundation year and then had to apply to different universities. This was quite a scary experience as most of my friends had already done this a year before. But I met a lot of other students who were older and going through the same process which made me feel much better. I finally applied to University College Falmouth. I was so excited it was a campus university split between Falmouth and Penryn (Tremough) and was right by the coast.

My university course

In my course I get to do Ceramics, Glass, Jewellery, Textiles, Wood and Plastics and so much more. I have fantastic facilities and great technicians and tutors who have supported me through the last two years. I have had a lot of support with my dyslexia but even if you’re not dyslexic you can still get help with all your essays. You can also get advice on money matters, have counselling and we even have a nurse on site.

Student Life

You can find great opportunities and get involved or as uninvolved as you want in student life. For instance, I’m off to Geneva this Easter and I’ve just had my first exhibition at Falmouth Arts centre and commissioned project at Trelissick gardens.

My Advice

Don’t let anyone put you off. Strive for what you really want to do, whether that is doing a modern apprenticeship or going to university. There are so many different things you can do after school, you just have to find them.