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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.