Argyll College UHI News 12-13

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Award nomination for Argyll College Oban tutor

A

rgyll College UHI students recently nominated Oban based Bob MacMahon as the ‘Most Inspiring Lecturer’ in the 2013 UHISA Teaching Awards. This annual award recognises those teaching staff who inspire students to achieve as much as they

can through their approach to teaching and their engagement with both students and subject content. Bob – who has been teaching IT for around 25 years – delivers NC Digital Media, NC Administration and HNC Computing and IT at the college’s Oban centre. However his skills are also utilised in many other subject areas, including childcare and horticulture, where the students require specialised IT input. In nominating Bob for the award, one of his students stated “He really is a fantastic and inspiring lecturer. I have done more than one course with him now, and he is still one of my favourite tutors. He is very generous and always goes above the call of duty”. Although flattered and humbled by the attention the nomination has created , Bob was slightly bemused by the term ‘lecturer’. “I rarely lecture my students. I do talk a lot – both with and to them – however, it tends to be more of a conversation than a discourse. I enjoy teaching because I’m nosy! I’ve always been fascinated by the stories and experiences that each new set of students bring. College offers much greater opportunities for our students to grow their learning and I firmly believe that our smaller class sizes offer the opportunity for a more personal and guided delivery of material. I am honoured and genuinely touched by the nomination – it is yet another example of how the students can surprise you!” When asked to define the success of the college’s staff/student relationship, Bob added “it is not easy to define why the college is successful, but it is due – at least in part – to the fact that everyone involved in the delivery and administration of the courses really care about the students and their individual circumstances. This is tangible and it is recognised by the students themselves”. Elaine Munro, Depute Principal said of Bob’s nomination “well done, we know Bob is an inspiring tutor but it is so rewarding Bob MacMahon

to be nominated for one of these awards by students – makes it all worthwhile!”


Students raise funds for Campbeltown Hospital

S

ix Campbeltown students – all studying NC Administration – have raised over £300 for their local Argyll hospital. As part of the Event Planning unit of their course, the students – Andrew Took, Kenny Muir, Laura-Beth Norris, Mhairi Hendrie, Kirsty McDonald and Marie Mac Brayne – organised a bingo evening

at Stronvaar Bowling Club. The students had to put into practice their team-working skills as they planned every element of the event from the theme, venue and the canvassing of local companies for raffle and bingo prizes to health and safety

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students and staff from NHS and Argyll College UHI

issues and current legislation with regard to organising charity events. Student Mhairi Hendrie found the experience very positive – “ there was a lot more involved in organising an event than I had realised. Although there was a lot of work, I enjoyed learning and gaining new skills. Successfully completing the course means that I can progress to HNC Administration which I plan to start in August”. Despite atrocious weather on the 21st March, the local community turned out in force to support the students and make the event such a success. Tutor Diane Watering was full of praise for the students, “they have shown total commitment to the course from the start. As with all event organisation, there is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes in addition to the admirable work carried out in class. They have been a pleasure to work with and I am very proud of what they have achieved”. Several of the students were present on 31st May to present a cheque for £310 to Campbeltown Hospital. The hospital plan to use the money raised to help purchase an automatic blood pressure monitor.


Introduction to Youth Work – a successful course for Argyll College Islay

M

arch was a busy time for Argyll College Islay with the delivery – over two weekends – of the nationally recognised Introduction to Youth Work course. Tutor Fiona Kalache, Manager of the Mid Argyll Youth Project, travelled to the island to deliver

the course to 11 students who included staff and volunteers from Islay and Jura Youth Action and the peer education youth group from Islay High School. Student Janice Carmichael said of the course, “I felt the tutor was very knowledgeable and passionate about youth work and the course was really well explained and challenging. I learnt a lot and I thoroughly enjoyed the course. Everything I have learnt will be very beneficial in my new job as Youth Coordinator.” Tutor Fiona Kalache added “I was delighted to travel to Islay to deliver the course. All the students were fantastic and it was great to see so many young people participating. They were extremely well mannered and focussed on the course and a pleasure to tutor.” Islay and Jura Youth Action – who contributed funds to support the learning experience for the Islay High School peer group – are looking forward to working with Argyll College UHI and Fiona again and are planning to offer the course once more towards the end of the year.

youth work students engaged in group work


Success for Crinan Canal employees

Peter Harrison and John Everett – both Scottish Canals employees at the Crinan canal – have successfully completed the first year of a carpentry and joinery course at Argyll College UHI’s Construction, Engineering and Renewables Centre in Lochgilphead. The Professional Development Award in Advanced

Carpentry and Joinery has been specifically developed to allow those working locally to develop and hone complex craft specific knowledge and skills which will have immediate application in the workplace. Kim McAllister, Centre Manager at the Construction and Renewables Centre said, “Argyll College UHI is keen to create links within our community and with local businesses. Scottish Canals have a need for ongoing training for their employees and we are able to offer that training locally. It is a productive relationship for Scottish Canals, their employees and the college and a relationship we are looking to build upon”. Pictured at the Construction, Engineering and Renewables Centre on 21st May receiving their course certificates: Peter Harrison, Alex Hurst (Manager, Scottish Canals), John Everett, Kim McAllister (Centre Manager, Argyll College) and Dino Wright (Tutor, Argyll College)

students pictured with their certificates


Argyll College One of the Best Workplaces in Scotland For the third consecutive year Best Workplaces on their achievement and thank their leaders for continuing to champion the importance of trust in the workplace. In the current economic climate, it has never been more crucial for

F

creating and maintaining great workplace cul-

ceremony on 9th May - at the Grand Central Hotel

Linda McLaughlan, Argyll College UHI Centre

in Glasgow - the college was awarded 6th posi-

Manager, Rothesay commented, “at Argyll Col-

tion (Medium and Large Business Category) in the

lege UHI all the staff are proud of and committed

prestigious awards for 2013.

to the service we provide. The dispersed nature

or the third year running, Argyll College UHI has taken one of the top places in the Scotland’s Best Workplaces Awards. At a

As in previous years, the Best Workplaces Programme – the largest of its kind in the world – surveys both employees and management to get a holistic view of each nominated organisation’s HR policies and practices and how these are perceived by employees. Tom O’Byrne, Chief Executive, Great Place to work said, “this year’s Best Workplaces have some of the most engaged employees with three out of four telling us that they are committed to and proud of what they do and that they have a great workplace. I am delighted to congratulate all our

organisations to recognise the importance of tures and how this can improve performance.”

of our 14 centres makes a supportive working relationship - amongst staff at all levels - vitally important. I feel very positive working for a company which actively encourages me to contribute ideas and have a hands-on involvement in decision making." Argyll College UHI Depute Principal, Elaine Munro, added “It is a great honour to have been recognised as one of Scotland’s Best Workplaces for the third year running. People and good communications are vital to the success of Argyll College UHI. Our staff contribute to the growth of our educa-


tional delivery on a daily basis and have the voice to actively influence the direction of the college in the future. We are a close knit team and it is as a team that we make our college work.” Argyll College UHI Principal, Fraser Durie said, “This is a really significant recognition of the success of the college, which has grown enormously over the last ten years to become a major provider of education and training in Argyll and the Isles. Often as organisations grow there can be a tendency for them to become more remote and it may make communication more difficult. What this award recognises is that we are a great workplace in Scottish terms, even in these difficult financial times we have been able to remain positive, improving our standing over last year to be 6th in Scotland! We are very proud to have represented Argyll as a local employer in this award, we know Argyll is a great place to work and we are pleased that the college is highlighting that nationally”. Argyll College UHI was also nominated for the ‘Most Trusted Leadership’ award.

Fraser pictured with students and staff from Dunoon


Students work on display

Students Hold Silent Auction To Raise Funds For Dementia Ward

S

cenes of wildlife, landscapes and

Paul Goldie of Argyll and Bute Council said

sunsets - highlighting the beauty of

“the quality of the work is absolutely excellent

the natural environment of the west

and we thought it would be good to showcase

coast - have been brightening up the waiting

it. The silent auction will allow people in the

area of a Lochgilphead hospital as Argyll College

hospital waiting area to put their bid in the box

photography students hold a silent auction of

and the proceeds will go to the dementia ward”.

their work.

Mike Thomson added that he felt that the

Mike Thompson, Christine Carmichael,

course had given him and his fellow students

Dianne Frame, Christine MacIntyre and

more confidence not only in shooting their

Moira McKechnie launched a display of their

photos but also in improving and enhancing

photographs at Mid Argyll Community Hospital.

them using Picasa and other software tools.

The photographs are the result of a 14 week digital photography course – tutored by Sarah Wyatt - organised by Argyll and Bute Council’s adult learning department in partnership with Argyll College.

With thanks to the Argyllshire Observer


Argyll College Student To Compete In Scottish Heat Of Uk’s Largest Trade Competition

J

amie Meechan, a 17 year old Argyll College

that I have potential to go far in the Construction

UHI student has been selected to represent

industry, which makes all of the hard work I’ve put in

the college at the Scottish regional heat of

worth it.”

SkillBuild – the UK’s largest multi-trade competition.

The Scottish regional heat will take place at Angus

The competition, which is managed by CITB, the

College on Thursday 18 April 2013 and is one of

Sector Skills Council and Industry Training Board for

15 regional heats taking place around the UK.

the construction industry, as part of its ongoing work

The highest scoring competitors could go onto

to bring new

compete at the three

blood into the

day SkillBuild UK final,

construction

which will take place

industry, is

later this year.

an annual

Regional Delivery

event that

Manager for CITB

sees budding

in the Scottish

construction

region commented;

trainees pitted

“In addition to

against each

encouraging

other in their

excellence and helping

specialist skill.

to raise standards in

CITB Apprentice

training, SkillBuild Jamie with his work

Bricklayer,

allows competitors to showcase their

Jamie Meechan

skills, helping to boost

who attends Argyll College Lochgilphead was

their confidence and their careers. The construction

selected to compete in the Bricklaying New Entrant

industry needs a constant pipeline of talent in order

category of the competition after his tutors noted

to meet the demands of the future, and SkillBuild

Jamie’s considerable talent for the trade.

is a great way to highlight the opportunities in the

Commenting on competing, Jamie, who is employed

industry to other young people.”

by MacLeod Construction Ltd said: “It’s exciting to

For more information about SkillBuild please go to

be competing in SkillBuild, and I’m really looking

www.citb.co.uk/en-GB/Careers-in-Construction/

forward to showing the judges what I can do. Just

SkillBuild/

being chosen to compete is a real honour – it shows


Argyll student Sean Stewart a winner at Lantra’s Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year awards in Scotland

T

he achievements of Sean Stewart of

Tarbert

Skipness were

recognised February

by

publicly

on at

Image below: Darlene Russell, Sean Stewart, Catherine Ralston

the

28th 10th

annual Lantra Land-based and Aquaculture Learner of the Year Awards, as he was declared the winner of the Skills for Work Award 2013. Sean recently successfully completed

the

NPA

Rural Skills delivered by Argyll College UHI - in

Darlene Russell of Argyll College who are committed to developing

conjunction with Tarbert Academy

added “Sean has worked hard their skills and knowledge. It is vital

and the Forestry Commission,

especially in subjects related to

for the future of these industries

Lochgilphead - through the Skills

outdoor studies. He is a practical

and for the wider Scottish economy

for Work course scheme.

person and during the school

that we continue to encourage and

holidays has spent time helping

support new entrants.”

Presented with the Award for his work in agriculture in particular, Sean – who has his own small flock of sheep – hopes in the future to

out on neighbouring farms and building up his own flock of sheep. This award is well deserved”.

study agriculture full-time. Sean Valerie Owen OBE, Lantra’s Chair,

Lantra works to ensure that the UK’s land-based

and

environmental

businesses have access to the skills and people they need to

commented “farming has been an

said of the evening: “I applaud all expand and thrive. Similarly, Argyll

interest of mine for a long time.

the finalists who show a real passion College is committed to providing

Winning this award will enable and dedication to training and the training, knowledge, skills and me to get closer to college and

the land-based industries. These

qualifications to enable the learners

ultimately my dream – a farm of my awards attract the top learners

of Argyll and the islands to support

own”.

from across Scotland every year continued growth and strength in


Breathtaking climb to the roof of Africa

21st February saw Health and

‘Whisky’ route. The glacier swathed

Social Care tutor Allan MacDougall

summit was reached five days

and partner Silvia Jost succeed in

later. The journey down proved a

climbing to the roof of Africa.

little quicker and less arduous with

Allan and Silvia were part of a 25 strong British team who successfully scaled the tallest free standing

Allan celebrating his birthday on 24th February firmly back in the rainforest.

mountain in the world – Mount The group raised a staggering Kilimanjaro – to raise money for Carr £35,000 for their chosen charity. Gomm’s ‘Catch the Dream’ fund. The climb began in Tanzania, amongst the tropical rainforest of the foothills, on 16th February with Allan’s party ascending by the

Allan – now safely back in Scotland – commented wryly, “I wouldn’t have missed it for all the tea in China – but I’ll not be doing it again”. Enough said.

hardest – yet classic – Machame or

The team make the summit.


Argyll College UHI Hairdressing Competition – December 2012 Siobhan, right, with tutor Julie Baker

A

rgyll College hairdressing students were

“The work that was produced was of an excellent

recently invited to submit entries for the

standard. The students showed a great deal of

College’s annual hairdressing awards.

creative flair in both following and adapting the

Entries were submitted in four different study level

emerging looks which are so popular today in the

categories with themes of Hair-Up and Cut and

hairdressing world.” Maria MacKenzie – Hairdressing

Colour.

Tutor, Oban Centre

The difficult job of choosing the winners fell to

The three winners in the senior SVQ3 category –

independent judge – Mark Wheldon of the Mark

Janine Ayton, Louise Salmond and Laura Quinn

Wheldon Salon. The awards were formally presented

MacKechnie – have all had their work entered into

at a prizegiving ceremony in Oban on 10th

the National Wella Exposure competition. We should

December.

find out in the next couple of weeks if they have been successful.


The Winners SVQ Level 3 1st

Janine Ayton

2nd

Louise Salmond

3rd

Laura Quinn MacKechnie

Dunoon

Lochgilphead Oban

SVQ Level 2 1st

Cara Douglas

Lochgilphead

2nd

Shelly Curran

Lochgilphead

3rd

Katherine MacCuish

Oban

SVQ Level 1 1st

Katey Cordinley

Oban

Skills for Work 1st

Lauren Royal

2nd

Sioban MacNab

3rd

Connie Spriddel

Lochgilphead

Islay Lochgilphead

This article recently appeared in The Ileach


RYA Success for Local Last week, nine local students successfully completed

The Course Tutor, Angus Fergusson – an instructor

the inaugural five-day RYA Day Skipper Shorebased

at sportscotland’s national water sports centre

course delivered by Argyll College UHI in Rothesay.

Cumbrae – was impressed with the wide experience

After four days of intensive study, the students all successfully completed the RYA examination and were awarded their Day Skipper Shorebased certificates (picture).

backgrounds of the students “some had little or no experience whilst others were keen yachtsmen. Being able to swap stories and experiences throughout the course really helped with making the course relevant”.


Students Lewis McMillan, a 15 year old Rothesay Academy

All the students seemed to have enjoyed the course

student, commented “What surprised me was how

and one student, Steve Reid, added that he had been

challenging the course was. The chart work was the

particularly impressed with the professionalism and

most interesting part of the course for me. I help out

patience of the tutor.

on a fishing trawler and the course is really going to help me with my job.�

This was the first time Argyll College UHI had run this intensive course in Rothesay and the college is already taking enquiries for the next course date in February 2013.


Friday 30th November saw the first formal meeting between the new Argyll College Principal, Fraser Durie and Local MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning Mr Michael Russell.

From left to Right: Mike Russell, Fraser Durie, Katrina Paton and Robin Parker

T

he meeting was a chance to share views on

as being an academic partner of the University of

education and the priorities for development

the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and, as such, has a

throughout our area.

significant role to play within education in our area.

The meeting was also attended by Robin Parker

The college is unique in that it educates young

(President, NUS Scotland), Katrina Paton (President,

people from the early years at its nursery in Oban,

University of the Highlands and Islands Students

to graduate and postgraduate study through UHI –

Association) and Centre Manager Dunoon, Morag

Scotland’s newest university.

Gilmour.

Although relatively small, the college has many local

It was agreed that the local college provides both

points of delivery. It was seen as essential that the

access level and skills development courses, as well

college continue to support the Argyll communities


Argyll College is a highly successful training and education provider serving a unique area in a unique way. - Michael Russel, MSP in order to provide opportunities for development

Argyll College is in the process of completing

which would not otherwise be available.

an engineering and renewables facility in

The college offers state-of-the-art communications and video conferencing capabilities and has the experienced staff to make effective use of them. However, a reliable local broadband and mobile

Lochgilphead. This is a development specifically to address the need for local engineering training in Argyll and the islands and the new and developing requirements of the national renewables industry.

phone network will be vital to support the college in

By training local people, the college will contribute

maintaining and growing this capability.

significantly to the work of our other local partners

Mr Russell was able to experience the college’s video conferencing capabilities first-hand when he joined a tutor in Dunoon delivering an HND level business

to improve the prospects and job opportunities for the young people of our area, those embarking upon a career and those looking to retrain.

class to a group of students based in Oban. Mr

Tourism has been flagged as a significant area for

Russell also met and talked with a group of childcare

further development in Dunoon and throughout

students being taught in a more traditional format

Argyll and the islands. Argyll College is looking

in the Dunoon centre.

to actively work with local partners, employers,

Mr Russell and Mr Durie took the opportunity to explore and consider the new educational challenges facing our specific geographical area.

politicians and local council partners within this identified business area – amongst others – to contribute positively to the ongoing economic development of our area.


Rothesay Salon Opens

O

Fraser Durie and Isobel Strong cut the ribbon

n 27th November 2012, the newest Argyll In addition to SVQ level courses the salon also delivers College Salon - located at Rothesay Joint

Skills for Work courses at Intermediate Levels 1 and 2

Campus - was officially opened.

for the Rothesay Academy pupils. These two courses

The new training salon - which has eight work stations offers local students the opportunity to study and gain the practical experience necessary to embark upon a career in hairdressing. Current students are studying for SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing - a course designed to develop the skills, confidence and practical experience needed in a wide range of salon-based skills. However, from August 2013 the salon will also be offering an SVQ Level 3 Hairdressing course, which will prepare the students fully for employment in the salon environment.

will prepare the students for entry to the SVQ Level 2 Hairdressing course when they complete their school studies. The Argyll College Salon is open to the general public each Wednesday from 11.00am to 6.00pm and Thursday and Friday from 9.00am to 4.00pm. If you would like to make an appointment simply contact 01700 503367 and ask to speak to the salon staff. We also operate training salons in Campbeltown, Dunoon, Lochgilphead, Islay and Oban. Simply contact each centre for opening times and contact details.


Argyll College UHI – proud to support Mary’s Meals

S

taff and students at Argyll College are proud

strongholds during the wars. Mary’s Meals stated

to have donated almost £6,000 over the last

“by paying the costs of a school feeding programme,

year in support of the Mary’s Meals school

Argyll College UHI are making a huge difference to the

feeding programme at Weakama Primary School,

lives of poor children who have lived through all kinds

Bomi County, Liberia.

of deprivation and terrible violence. In particular,

Argyll College has committed a percentage of the income earned from areas – including hairdressing, catering, commercial courses and nursery provision – across its 15 centres to support the primary school. As a result, every member of staff and every student

the west of Liberia has suffered greatly over the last twenty years. Now there is a chance for the lives of many children to be improved dramatically by giving them back their childhood and providing them with hope for the future.”

of Argyll College is providing much needed support

Weakama Primary School – which currently has 341

to the pupils of Weakama Primary School every day

children enrolled – has no other outside support apart

of the week, as is each customer of the college’s

from Mary’s Meals. The children are fed a meal of fish,

hairdressing salons and day nursery.

rice and a vegetable sauce three days a week and a

Education in Liberia was severely affected by two civil wars – between 1989 and 2003 – and Bomi County was home to both refugee camps and rebel

highly nutritional porridge the remaining two days. The local community have committed to providing the fresh vegetables while Mary’s Meals provides the rice, fish and porridge. The school reports that enrolments have gone up and have also seen the children’s attendance improving, meaning that more children are coming to – and staying in – school. Argyll College UHI shares Mary’s Meals belief that education can offer communities a better quality of life – on a daily and long-term basis. It is committed to making education available to as many students and communities as possible,

Above: Weakama Day School and it’s pupils

offering local learning yet global thinking.



Graduation success for Argyll College UHI students

M

any of the 221 students undertaking full-time courses at Argyll College UHI over the last year, celebrated

the successful completion of their studies at a graduation ceremony – held recently at the Argyllshire Gathering Halls, Oban. The ceremony, which was attended by many family and friends, proved to be the highlight of a very busy first week for new principal Fraser Durie. “It’s a real privilege to be the new Principal of Argyll College, which has a substantial and growing presence throughout Argyll. The college fulfils a key role in the development of the economy of this area which I am committed to continuing. We had students graduating with all levels of award at the ceremony, including Scottish Vocational Qualifications and degrees. Graduation is always

...our graduation showed very

clearly the potential opportunities provided by the college... a special time for those taking part and the

opportunities provided by the college as an

college staff involved. We recognise the hard work

Academic Partner of the University of the Highlands

and dedication of students and the staff who

and Islands and we will continue, through 2013

helped them on their journey. I hope it acts as an

and beyond, to develop and nurture exciting

inspiration both to potential students who may

educational opportunities for the communities of

join us but also to current students on that journey.

Argyll and the Islands.”

Our graduation showed very clearly the potential


The ceremony saw the presentation of several special recognition awards including, the Wilma Campbell Rose Bowl for Argyll College UHI Further Education Student of the Year awarded to Thomas Gallagher of Campbeltown - who recently completed his Certificate in Agriculture - and the Mary MacKenzie Memorial Cup for hairdressing, awarded to Ala Korda, an SVQ2 student from Oban. The Mary MacKenzie Memorial Cup is awarded to the student who shows outstanding flair and creativity during their course. Special mention was also made of Claire Gilpin who achieved the BA Child and Youth Studies. Claire initially studied NC Early Education and Childcare five years ago at Argyll College. She subsequently progressed to the HNC Early Education and Childcare gaining an ‘A’ in her graded unit and has now completed her degree through UHI studying at Argyll College. Curriculum Manager, Rena MacDonald commented,

“this has been a memorable afternoon celebrating

“on behalf of the graduation committee I would

the well earned achievements of our students with

like to thank all the students, and in particular their

their families and friends” and added, “it’s been

families, for taking the time to come to Oban to

a privilege to have had the unique challenge of

celebrate the achievements of the students from

starting a new college from nothing. This couldn’t

across the Argyll Area. It is not always easy to make

have been done without the full support of the

the journey from far flung parts of Argyll but we hope

college staff so they are due a huge thanks for their

that it was an enjoyable and vital experience”.

efforts. I am confident Fraser will take the college

The number of students undertaking full-time courses at Argyll College UHI has more than doubled over recent years and student numbers are continuing to grow consistently on the school-based Skills for Work courses and vocational courses. Michael Breslin, retiring principal, who attended the ceremony on his last day at Argyll College UHI said,

forward and I wish him and all the staff my very best wishes”.


New Principal confirmed for Argyll College UHI

A

rgyll College UHI is pleased to announce

up the University of the Highlands and Islands. I

that Fraser Durie has been appointed to the am confident Fraser will make a fine Principal and post of Principal. Fraser - currently Director, a strong leader for our hardworking and award

Educational Development and Executive Director for Business, Computing and Community Development at Adam Smith College, Fife - will take up the post on the retirement of the current Principal, Michael Breslin, in September 2012.

winning staff." Fraser, who has already visited some of the college's 13 centres throughout Argyll and the Islands, added "I am very much looking forward to becoming the Principal of Argyll College UHI. It is

Making the announcement Andrew Campbell, Chair an exciting prospect to lead the college onwards Argyll College UHI said "I look forward to welcoming in its development, both as a strong and vibrant Fraser both to Argyll and to our college. Fraser institution and a partner within the University of the brings with him not only a wealth of experience of working in both Further and Higher Education but also, importantly, of working collaboratively with other colleges and universities. We will continue to expand our portfolio of courses throughout the year, delivering additional courses in new areas - including engineering - as well as expanding the opportunities for our students in Higher Education as one of the 13 colleges and research institutions that make

Highlands and Islands". "Staff form the heart of any college and it is our responsibility, regardless of job title, to ensure the delivery of the appropriate education for learners. Having visited a few of the college centres and met some of the staff, I am convinced that they are providing a valued service to their community. Colleges serve their communities better when there


are strong and positive connections with all external

work, not least the local, national and international

partners. Having previously developed effective economies. In the current climate, colleges are vital partnerships - many of which have opened up new

not only in preparing people for new opportunities

and exciting opportunities for learners - I know how but also in providing support for potential economic valuable they are. My challenge will be to take on and development. I am optimistic we can continue to build up the college's existing linkages." "There are many challenges which face colleges in their

make a difference and I look forward to fully engaging with staff and our partners in that endeavour."

Easter Fun Day raises money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation

D

avid O’Neill, Emma McCrae, Laura Black and

medical equipment and resources which benefit sick

Ashleigh MacMillan – all Working in the

children and babies treated at Yorkhill and within

Community students at Oban Centre – have

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. These resources

raised £500 for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. One of the central themes of the college’s Working in the Community course is to organise an enterprise

can

include

innovative

medical

equipment,

improvements in child and family facilities and paediatric research and training.

project in the local community. The four students The Easter Fun Day was held in conjunction with unanimously decided that fundraising for charity

Atlantis Leisure and events on the day included, egg

would be their project and the charity they would rolling, face painting, body zorbing, pool inflatable like to support Yorkhill. Yorkhill Children’s Foundation provides enhanced

fun sessions, a raffle and a Harley Davidson bike display.


Easter Fun Day raises money for Yorkhill Children’s Foundation...cont Nick Wesley of Atlantis Leisure worked alongside the raise a sum of £500 which they were able to hand over students at all stages of the event – from initial planning to the day itself - offering invaluable advice and support.

to Ali Reade of Yorkhill Children’s Foundation. Yorkhill Children’s Foundation Director of Fundraising,

Course tutor Billy Thomson was extremely impressed

David Welch added “Yorkhill Children’s Foundation is

with the students drive and enthusiasm for the project

extremely grateful to these Argyll College students for

“this was a really big challenge for the group to take on. all their hard work and the effort undertaken to raise They had to work under a fair bit of pressure and despite

such a substantial amount of money which will go a

a few early wobbles they all worked exceptionally hard long way to helping children requiring treatment and and really brought everything together on the day”.

care at Yorkhill Hospital.”

Despite the fact that they had no funding support and no experience in this area the students managed – with much appreciated support from local businesses - to

Projects funded by Yorkhill Children’s Foundation

Clown Doctors Based on a simple idea that a happier child is a healthier child, the Clown Doctors aim to improve the quality of life for children in hospital. They use clowning, improvisation, music and rhythm, games and puppetry to encourage creativity in the child. There is a strong focus on multisensory work, particularly music and sound which is of particular benefit to children with multiple disabilities and fully dependent children.


MediCinema MediCinema is the first cinema in a children’s

gives them a much needed escape from the reality

hospital in the UK. Current releases are shown

of hospital life and brings the sparkle and glamour

twice a week and admission is free. Patients, of the movies to an audience who are unable to including those in beds and wheelchairs, can attend with their families, friends and carers. This

Music Specialist

Music offers children creative and interactive opportunities and encourages socialisation with others whilst learning new skills.

The Music

Specialist will work with in-patients and day care patients throughout the hospital, in groups or individually. Children can learn to perform on various instruments and to invent and compose their own music, developing an understanding and appreciation of the many styles and periods of music.

attend regular cinema.


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