Spotlight on Talent : Shelby Lintern

Studying; Level 3 Applied Law, Criminology and Business

A college course is turning into a lifeline for Shelby Lintern.  It is helping the 19-year-old work towards becoming a barrister or solicitor.  This became Shelby’s alternative study route after she decided A Levels weren’t right for her.

Her course combines a Level 3 Certificate in Law, Certificate in Business and a Diploma in Criminology.  She is using this qualification to progress onto a law and criminology degree.

“I’ve always been fascinated by rule-making and how it’s central to society,” said Shelby.  “We just wouldn’t survive without them.”

Shelby had been studying A Level Law.  She enjoyed her course at first.  But as time went on, she found the subject formats didn’t match her way of learning.

“I was starting to feel trapped,” Shelby recalled.  “I was discovering I preferred assessments to exams.  And I wanted more independent study instead of a full, strict timetable.” 

She dropped out of sixth form and enrolled in college the following September.  Shelby believes her BTEC course suits her much more. 

“I’m completing assignments that all count towards a final grade,” she said.  “I know there’s a purpose to everything I do.  This motivates me to keep doing better work.”  

Shelby is enjoying her different course modules.  These include business law, marketing in business and influences on law-making.

“I love that my course isn’t just about essay-writing,” continued Shelby.  “You draft letters and create presentations.  For one module we even made a mood board.”

Overall, Shelby feels more confident about her future prospects.

“College has brought me out of myself in a way sixth form didn’t,” she said.  “The environment is less rigid.  You can be yourself a bit more.

“My teachers make themselves available, answering my messages quickly.  And I’ve been conscious of just how much more support there is in college.  There’s a lot of safeguarding, mentoring and careers advice available.”

After college, Shelby is looking into studying a degree course offering overseas study or work experience.  Once qualified, she is interested in working for the Crown Prosecution Service, possibly specialising in medical law.