Following her passion at SERC sets Sarah on her path to the future

Sarah Buick, from Downpatrick, researched her options after GCSEs but says an art course at SERC was always the front-runner. Sarah, who is 17, is now studying a Level 3 Technical Diploma in Art and Design at SERC’s Downpatrick Campus .

As she faced leaving school, Sarah says she followed her passion to progress her studies: 

“I always had an affinity for art. When it came to making decisions about my future, I looked at different courses to take after GCSEs and I decided to go with what I loved. I think I always knew I would come to SERC as I had schoolfriends who had come here for part of their studies, and I heard a lot of good things from them.” 

Of her course itself, Sarah comments: 

“I definitely appreciate SERC’s more technical, practical approach to learning. I was never the best at exams, and this course suited me - and I was glad to be focussing on one subject which I love.   I enjoy the range of options; I particularly like the art history and learning about artists and different art movements. But the upcycling unit comes a close second to that.

“I plan to continue with art, but I am currently working out the right pathway and the next steps towards a future career– I am looking to stay with art for the next few decades!  

"I would tell anyone considering SERC to go for it!  Learning here is entertaining and so different from school. I became a class rep in my first term, so I am already involved beyond my studies, and I know there are lots of other aspects to student life beyond the classroom.”