College Taster Days Explained: Everything Year 11s Need to Know
As GCSE exam season comes to an end, it’s time to start looking forward to your next academic chapter.
If you’ve been offered a place at one of our three college campuses, Rotherham College, North Notts College or Dearne Valley College, you should have been invited to take part in a taster day this June.
Whether you’re excited, curious or even a bit nervous about starting college, attending a taster day is a great way to explore your options and build confidence.
These sessions are designed to give you a real taste of what college life is like, what you’ll study, who you’ll meet, and how it all works.
Here’s why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity – and how to make the most of it.
What is a taster day?
A taster day is a chance for you to experience life as a college student before you officially start your course in September.
It’s a perfect opportunity to decide if the course (and the college) feels right for you.
You’ll take part in hands-on activities and workshops in your chosen subject, be able to meet your future teachers and classmates, and get to explore our amazing campuses and facilities.
Taster days are an important part of the admissions process. It’s a bit like an induction, helping you make that transition between school and college.
Everyone who has applied to an RNN Group college and has already had an interview will be invited to book a taster day via their Admissions Manager account.
Whether you’ve chosen to study T levels, a vocational study programme, or an apprenticeship, the taster day is your chance to ask any questions about the course to make sure you’ve made the right choice.
When are RNN Group’s 2025 taster days?
This year, each campus will be holding two taster days, so keep these dates free.
Rotherham College taster sessions – Monday 23rd and Tuesday 24th June
North Notts Collegee taster sessions – Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June
Dearne Valley College taster sessions – Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th June
Each day is split into two sessions, a morning session 9:30am-12pm and an afternoon session 1pm-3:30pm.
You can choose which session to attend or even book multiple sessions – a good idea if you haven’t yet made your mind up about which course to do.
Taster sessions are capped at 20 students, on a first-come, first-served basis, so make sure you don’t miss out.
5 reasons you shouldn’t miss your college taster day
Get a feel for the course
Reading a course description online or in the prospectus is one thing. Experiencing it is another. A taster session lets you see what lessons are actually like, so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Meet your future tutors
You’ll meet the people who could be teaching you next year. It’s a great chance to ask questions, get advice, and see what kind of support is available.
Find your friendship groups
Taster sessions often include group activities, so you’ll get to meet other students who might be on your course. Knowing a few faces before term starts makes September way less nerve-wracking.
Explore the campus
Knowing where things are, like classrooms, the café, and student services, can boost your confidence on your first day.
Make an informed decision
You’ll walk away knowing whether this is the right place and course for you. Nobody wants to spend a couple of years taking a course they didn’t really like.
What happens and do you need to bring anything?
On the day, you’ll need to head to the campus reception to sign in. From there, you’ll be shown where to go by either our staff or student ambassadors.
There will be a welcome talk by the campus director, who’ll do a bit of housekeeping (health and safety talk) and an introduction to the campus.
After a short tour of the campus, you’ll then head off for a sample lesson or hands-on activity. Then there will be time to chat with staff or current students and ask any questions.
All you need to bring is a pen and notebook to take notes or jot down any questions you have, a drink, and a positive attitude. You’re there to learn and explore, so join in, show interest and be open-minded. Most importantly, be yourself. Exams are over, so you’re not being assessed by anyone. This is your chance to ensure you’re making the right choice about your future.
Do you need to do anything afterwards?
Once your taster day is over, we hope you’ll have a better idea about what your next steps are. Take some time to reflect on what you enjoyed (or didn’t) and whether you think the course feels like a good fit for you.
You might prefer to talk it through with someone who knows you best, like a parent or sibling. And don’t be afraid to ask us for more information if you need it.
If you’re confident you’ve made the right choice, you can go ahead and confirm your place with us on Admissions Manager. You’ll then be sent information about enrolment and your September start date.
If you decide that it isn’t really the right course for you, please don’t panic. You’ve still got plenty of time to change to something more suitable.