I’massuming you are American.. if you are not particularly good at textual stuff.. you will still be much better than the average British girl.. I certainly would not worry on that front. I don’t recall ever being an issue re; being called upon in class. if it was, it was more to read basic chumash.. not mefarshim.
The british girls all come age 16.. but turn 17 during the year (could even be rightaway) All other nationalities typically start off 12-18 months older. I recall in my days where there were 3 American girls who were all classmated in America who ended up in 3 different years.. one came after 10th grade, one after 11th & the other after 12th! It is not rare for there to be 16 and 19 yr olds in that 1st yaer. Age is not an issue there at all. It’s only an advantage cause it gives the place a more mature atmosphere. Even though split in 3 classes.. everyone eats and sleeps mixed up classes.. and there are a few shiurim on shabbos and during week that are everyone together.
There are Women teachers. I think they mainly teach the Teachers Training & social development stuff.
FOCUS – like you said. Good old fashioned Emesdikeh Torah Haskofos.. from Talmidei Chachomin. Mussar, self development. teaching you to THINK.. and not to glide thru life. Many students do end up becoming teachers. it is a product of knowing so much and wanting to give it over.. the teaching program is great.. you can get hands on teaching experience in the Gateshead schools. you pick the age that inteerest you.
As in any place, there are many graduates of G’head sem who unfortunately do not resemble or reflect the education they got there.. shame..
3 years – like you said.. many advantages.. some are
1stly.. having a 3 year program cultivates a ‘mesorah’ style amongst the girls themselves.. very powerful.
its more relaxed style learning.. you live it and absorb it by default.. not cause you’re cramming in knowledge.
Expression – Hashkafas can’t be Taught, they are ‘Caught’! – hence more long lasting.. & obviously, much easier done in a longer program.
Friendships – real & longlasting.. I have deeper & more meaningful ones with seminarygirls than i do with girls i grew up with!
visa – to enter Britain if yo’re not a citizen.. you must have student visa or some equivelent.. tjhere was an issue last year.. I don’t know where the shortage came from.. did the sem apply for too little.. or did Britain only allocate too few.. just a technical issue to work through.. that i’m sure Hashem will figure out for you.. if its bashert!
ps. The hilchos Shabbos shiurim from Rabbi Falk are absolutely incredible. Where else are girls taught such crucial halachos from such a famous Posek.
Yup, i went there.. changed me for life!