ion 2009 Edit r e b m e t Sep
INSIDE... News, Reviews, Events, Competitions Jobs & More...
WELCOME TO AYR COLLEGE
2009/10
Digital copy available for download at www.ayrcoll.ac.uk
Team
he magazine
Editorial: Shelagh McLachlan If you would like to submit any articles for the magazine or would be interested in a work experience placement please e-mail s.mclachlan@ayrcoll.ac.uk
IN THIS ISSUE Kerry Setsess Up In Busin
Music Reviews
Page 5
Page 21
Photographer: Colin Nixon If you have any images you would like us to consider for the magazine please e-mail them as a .jpeg or .tiff to c.nixon@ayrcoll.ac.uk Designer: Colin Nixon Editor for September is Jean Wilson, District Manager for Jobcentre Plus in Ayrshire, Dumfries, Galloway and Inverclyde. “I am really pleased to have been asked to edit this issue of Buzz. As the summer comes to an end you may be starting college for the first time, returning after studying last year, or looking forward to your graduation ceremony in October. “In Jobcentre Plus we know the value of working in partnership with colleges and this is now more important than ever. By working together with Ayr college we can help people access courses, enhance their prospects and change their lives when they thought there was no alternative to a life on benefits. And for students who are looking for work – be it full time at the end of their studies or part time to support their learning – we can work together to help. “You will know that every issue of Buzz carries a few local jobs – check the inside back page. This is only a very small selection of the jobs available – and even in an economic downturn there are many jobs available. You can search our database of over 400,000 jobs online at www.jobcentreplus. gov.uk. Flexibility is a virtue in modern economies. It gives businesses the space to invest and create jobs, and allows individuals to get work and pursue their careers. So be flexible and be creative – think about other options, such as voluntary work, if you can’t find the job you are looking for straight away.”
2Ayr College is a charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC 021177.
in the park
T
in the Pa rk
Page14 Contents
Shout about it. 3 Have your say. 3 Ayr College Student to Primary Teacher. 4 Kerry sets up own travel business. 5 Working abroad. 6 Ann does a good deed. 7 What’s it like to be a class rep. 8 Ayr College is your college so get involved. 9 The Ayr College Charityof the Year. 10 Peer mentoring programme. 11 NUS Extra. 12 Solutions for the Ayrshire music scene. 13 T in the Park. 14 Indian Summer. 15 Budding hotel manager scoops top college prize. 16 Creative Writing Competition 2009. 17 Get ready for work - Girvan. 18 Make it happen. 19 Cumnock Community College Awards 2009. 20 Music review. 21 Jobs Board. 22 The Big Monthly Quiz. 24
Shout About it!
H
ow do you get publicity for your class/ events? Throughout your time at college you will become involved in many class projects, activities, trips, fundraising and other citizenship activities. The Buzz team would like to promote these events for you in the magazine and on our website. If your story is newsworthy we will also contact the press for you and send your story to the journalists at the local and national newspapers. If you want the college photographer/ PR staff to come to your event/class here is what you do. Students will be able to book the photographer on this page: http://marketing.ayrcollege.local/support_ students/events/cover.asp Or go onto the Intranet Within the General Resources block click Student Marketing and make your request.
What do we do with your photograph/story? If your story is newsworthy we will pass it to our PR agency. They will write a press release and then distribute it to the local press, TV and radio stations. So look out for it in the local press! Otherwise we will write up the story and place it in the student magazine “The Buzz” and on our website.
Photos will appear on the plasma screens in reception and the refectory. Photos will be placed on the student news notice board just before the refectory.
Have Your Say Thanks to everyone who took part in our survey to find out what you thought of the “Buzz” magazine. You told us: You Love The photos Competitions Variety of Informative articles What’s Happening Student Experiences Bright colours You want more of: Funky design Film/Music/Book reviews Job vacancies Health/money issues Student discounts Girvan and Cumnock News Your main criticism
Did not know magazine existed
What we’ve done Listened to your feedback and made changes - hope you like it – let us know! Printed the September copy and every student should get a copy so you know we exist! Increased circulation out with college and pick up points in college. You can get further copies on our website on our news page or pick up a copy in reception, Admissions, the Refectory, Vending areas and next to the Student News Notice Board.
We Need You… To be part of “What’s the Buzz”? We are on the lookout for talented students to join the team that puts this magazine together. Passionate about Music/ Films or Books? If you love listening to music, going to gigs, watching films or a right book worm. We want to hear from you. We don’t have time to review all the latest releases so if you are doing it anyway let us know and you might find yourself featured in the next issue.
Send us your stories Send us items that interest you or tell us what you are getting up to at college. If you fancy a career in PR or Journalism then maybe we could give you some real work experience which will look great on your CV. Photos are the best bit We know everyone likes the pictures the best so we want to know what you are doing? You can send us your own pictures or get us along to take them for you and we will publish the best. Send any entries to c.nixon@ayrcoll.ac.uk 3
Ayr College Student to Primary Teacher Lynne Bradley a Business Studies student, our college evening receptionist and Board of Management member has just been accepted onto a Post Graduate course in Primary Teaching. Lynne has been at Ayr College for four years working towards this goal and we are pleased she has started her journey with us, here is her story.
low me to apply for the B Ed degree. I did not even get an interview and my feelings were that my age was against me. I then considered my options and decided to do a Business Degree and apply for the Post Graduate course as I had heard they favour mature students, who have more life and work experience as well as a degree level qualification.
Before I came to college I worked in sales - sold everything from a plaster to a house, the latter being the most recent. I worked part-time having just had my children. However I had always wanted to teach but when I left school my family thought university was not an option for me. I came from a family with a strong work ethic and was expected to get a job and to provide my own income. My husband is a music teacher and has always encouraged me to pursue the career I have always wanted.
I completed HND Business Management course followed by a Batchelor degree in Management. Ayr College has a lot of mature students and therefore I did not feel out of place. I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the ‘Ayr College Life’ and have exceeded all my own expectations with regards study and achievement. All my lecturers have been extremely helpful and encouraging and I have made many new friends, some of which will be life long friends.
I came to college to update my maths qualification and achieved the Intermediate 2 level which, with my existing qualifications, would al-
I applied direct to UWS and after my interview which consisted of a presentation and panel interview I was offered a conditional place. I have just got my results from university this week and with one A, two B’s and C grades I have got an unconditional place starting 24th August. The course lasts one year, we will be on campus 18 weeks and out in primary school placements for the remainder of the time. I will have four “crits” to pass + other assignments. The following year I will be a probationer and after this fully qualified to teach Primary school children. I am optimistic the job situation will improve by this time and I will be finally realising my dream.
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F
ormer HNC Tourism student Kerry McCall, has just started up her own travel business “Clear Sky Travel”. Kerry says, “I came to college straight from school and I chose to study Tourism because I love travelling and exploring new countries and I wanted a job working in a travel agency so I could use my travel knowledge to help
“My business is called Clear Sky Travel and it is part of the Explorer Travel group. We provide a comprehensive range of travel services, including holidays, flights, hotels, insurance, car hire, airport parking and airport lounge bookings. We also specialize in cruises and tailor made holidays as well as offering a comprehensive range of skiing holidays. Our independence allows us to offer dis-
Check out Kerry’s latest offers www. clearskytravel .co.uk
KERRY SETS UP OWN TRAVEL BUSINESS other people find a great holiday.” “I really enjoyed my course at Ayr College, the tutors were great and I found the course really interesting. However when I left college I found it very hard to get a job, I wrote off to lots of travel agencies but there were no vacancies and most job adverts I saw, asked for work experience. I did not fancy working abroad because I like to be close to my family”
“Then I found out about a franchise opportunity. The company is called Explorer Travel and you pay them a monthly fee to become a sales agent. They operate a web based travel company and update the site with offers, and deal with the customer after the initial booking. My role is to promote the website and try to get as many sales as possible. I get paid commission for every holiday I book. It’s a really flexible job allowing me to continue working in our family business, although I would like to build the business up and eventually focus on this full time. I have a confident and outgoing personality and this has helped me take the big step to be self employed”
counts not found on the high street and we believe that a friendly and personal service goes a long way to ensuring you of a perfect trip every time. All our holidays are fully ABTA bonded: ABTA #L3832”
“I hope to be at the Ayr College Freshers Fair and can offer student discounts on their holidays. Please come along to my stand and ask me for a quote.”
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Working Abroad I started my career in Childcare as a voluntary nursery assistant in Bright Sparks Nursery so I could get relevant experience and find out if indeed this was the career for me. I loved every minute of it and applied for the NC Higher Group Award in Early Education and Childcare course. It was a really interesting course and included subjects like Child Development, Play in Early Education, Supporting Children’s Rights and Entitlements and I had two work placements in Girvan Primary School and Cairn Primary School. When I finished my course I looked for a job. I wanted one that I would enjoy and know that I would be good at; I wanted to travel, learn a language and learn to ski. I saw an advert for a holiday company and was delighted to be offered the post of “Nursery Assistant” with Espirit Holidays in Meribel, France. It seemed like the perfect job for me! The first week was a training week and this included a first aid course and food hygiene course. The second week we got the nursery all set up and then after that the guests started to arrive. I was based in the nursery each day and got lots of experience looking after babies aged 4 months to 2 years. Some days I had to help with the children’s High Tea and in the evenings we had a baby listening rota. If the nursery was not busy I would be transferred to another job which was great fun – it was a Snow Ranger. We helped the children get to their ski-lessons and take 6
them out to play in the snow. Some weeks can be so busy and full on, but it flies by so fast with all fun we had! Our team worked really well together having fun and making up crazy games for the kids. On our days off we learned to ski and snow board, we had free lessons, free ski pass and all equipment was provided. It was great fun and I loved the team of people I was working/living/socialising with. Meribel is a beautiful place where the sky is blue and the sun shines every day making the snow covered mountains just magical. However it is very expensive and as we only got a low wage it was costly to go to clubs, bars and restaurants but we had some great nights out and in our chalet where we lived. Our food and lodgings were included from the hotel so you didn’t have to worry about buying food at all. I would definitely recommend this type of job as it was a great place to get really good work experience and have fun at the same time. There are lots of different jobs in catering, housekeeping, ski repping. It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and have some time to think about what you want to do with your life! You can find out more by looking at their website www.ski-esprit.co.uk I am now back in Scotland and planning my next trip. I have just got a working visa for Australia and have applied to be a nanny with Childcare International. Fiona McLachlan
Ann Does A Good Deed
A good deed has taken Cumnock woman Ann Steele a step closer to fulfilling her dream of providing a university education for her teenage son. When single parent Ann was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis she didn’t know what to do and, with her health deteriorating, she felt staying at home all day was making her feel worse. Ann put herself forward for East Ayrshire Council’s ‘Give and Take’ voluntary service. She found working helped her wellbeing and also taught her to cope with being employed and having a health condition. So when Dumfries House Estate advertised for volunteers to help out, Ann jumped at the chance and within a few days of taking part she decided it would be a great place to work. Ann claims Incapacity Benefit because of her health condition and she contacted Cumnock Jobcentre Plus to find out how working would affect her finances. Jobcentre Plus Adviser Julie Morrison carried out a ‘better off calculation’ which showed that Ann would be significantly better off in work. Julie encouraged Ann to apply for a seasonal job at Dumfries House and explained that her benefits would be protected for a time under the permitted work rules.
Ann started work as a part-time retail assistant. She hopes to progress into full-time employment and is full of praise for the for the advice and support she received from Jobcentre Plus saying, “I absolutely love working at Dumfries House. It’s a dream come true for me! “Julie at Cumnock Jobcentre was fabulous, she gave me all the information I needed and her positive attitude really helped me. She explained everything step by step and made it less daunting for me. “Being on ‘permitted work’ where my benefit is protected removed the worry of starting work and then finding I wasn’t able to cope due to my health condition. “My 14 year old son Jack is really proud of me and is looking forward to getting pocket money again! He is keen to go to university and understands that his future is much brighter now his mum is working.”
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What’s it like to be a Class Rep?
K
atie Lang was the class representative for the Portfolio Preparation class last term. Katie says, “I was on the Kyle Academy School Council and loved being involved in this. When I came to college we were asked to vote for a class rep and I volunteered and was voted in. As the main contact for the class you represent their views at meetings. I find out what issues they have that need addressed, and then I speak to the class as a whole to get wider opinions.” “There are plenty opportunities to give feedback to lecturing staff. I am invited along to scheduled Portfolio Preparation meetings and I can offer an insight into problems or at least give a fresh viewpoint. I can also approach the staff individually to try to
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get issues resolved. It’s often an issue specific to our course such as lack of resources. Often once our class understand the reasons behind an issue they are a lot more understanding and reasonable about it. All the staff in the Visual Arts Department are approachable and friendly and we have a good relationship. I also get invited along to the Students Association Class Rep Meetings where I can raise wider student issues.” “The benefits to me of being a Class Rep are that I have got to know everyone in my class really well and I have had an opportunity to make a difference. I like representing other people’s opinion and hopefully any improvements we can make will better the course over the coming years.”
Katie left school after 5th year and became a volunteer with Project Scotland working in her old school as a Peer Reading Tutor. “It was a great experience for me and it confirmed my belief that I would like to be a teacher. I was inspired by the student art teacher I met who encouraged me to go to college and start to build up a portfolio and prepare myself for Art School. I had only got a “B” in my Art Higher and thought I was not good enough, but he persuaded me to consider an alternative route.” “I loved my course last year and it was not what I expected at all. The most surprising things were how varied the course was, how quickly I picked things up and how comfortable I felt being in the class. For example I had never painted at an easel before and very quickly it was as if I’d been doing it all my life!” Katie is returning to college this year to complete her HNC Art and Design and her future plans are to get into university and work towards becoming an Art Teacher.
Ayr College is your college so get involved
T
he wealth of the Ayr College experience is heavily dependent upon the additional participation we have in the past been fortunate to enjoy from many of our students. These are students who not only complete their courses successfully but who also help represent the views and opinions of their fellow students so that the student voice is heard and makes a difference to college life. Here are some ideas of how you can get involved: Student Association Executive Committee The opportunities include, for example, Vice President, Sports Officer, Women’s Officer and Events Officer. As a member of the Students’ Association Executive Committee you will work closely with the Student President to ensure that the vibrancy of student life. Board of Management It is in this arena that students are able to have direct contact with members of the college governing body and to make sure that the student view is expressed and heard. Academic Board This is where the detailed analysis of existing and proposed courses
takes place. The academic board will provide students with an excellent opportunity to find out what’s happening in courses across the college and how students themselves can make suggestions to further enhance these. Equality and Diversity Committee The college is determined to provide equality of opportunity and this group examines a wide variety of issues associated with this. Sustainability Group Ayr College needs to become more sustainable and reduce its own carbon footprint. There have been a number of exciting developments emanating from this group and we do need the participation of students with a particularly concern for these important issues. Think about getting more actively involved in the life of Ayr College. Training will be available and please remember – Ayr College is your college so please get involved. Interested? Then call Scott Brackenridge, Guidance Manager Tel: 01292 293468 E-mail: s.brackenridge@ayrcoll.ac.uk
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The Ayr College Charity of the Year in the homes of approved volunteer hosts, for one night at a time. www. ayrshirenightstop.org
Last year thousands of pounds were raised by Ayr College students for local and national charities through citizenship activities they organised within their courses. In addition to this the college always supports major fundraising events such as Children in Need and Comic Relief.
This year we will be supporting ; • Children in Need on Friday 20th November with loads of special events in college • Sports Relief on Friday 19th March with fun and games in the Dam Park Stadium However we would like you to choose the Ayr College Charity of the Year Choose one from the following and hand your vote to any college reception, the student association or text to 07624 805636. Homeless People Charity South Ayrshire Nightstop is an organisation which provides emergency accommodation for single young people, aged 16 to 25 who are vulnerably housed or homeless
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Disability Charity Capability Scotland – Scotland’s leading disability organisation provides flexible services which support disabled people, their families and carers. www.capability-scotland.org.uk Cancer Charity Prostrate Cancer - The Prostate Cancer Charity offers support and information to anyone concerned with prostate cancer. www.prostate-cancer.org.uk International Charity Camfed is dedicated to fighting poverty and HIV/AIDS in rural Africa by educating girls and investing in their economic independence and leadership. www.us.camfed.org Senior Citizens Charity Age Concern Scotland, working throughout Scotland to help make the lives of older people more secure, comfortable, dignified and enjoyable. www.ageconcernandhelptheagedscotland.org.uk
Children’s Charity NSPCC Childline is the UK's free and confidential, 24-hour helpline for children in distress or danger. Trained volunteer counsellors comfort, advise and protect children and young people who may feel they have nowhere else to turn. "Last year, 500,000 children called ChildLine, but many were not able to get the counselling they needed. This is why we are expanding the service to make sure the right help is available to all the children who call." www.nspcc.org.uk/HelpAndAdvice/ WhoTurnTo/ChildLine Local Animal Charity Hessilhead Wildlife cares for Scotland's injured and orphaned wildlife. The centre is situated near Beith in North Ayrshire. www.hessilheadwildlife.org.uk
Peer Mentoring Programme Ayr College would like to introduce a ‘peer mentoring programme’ from August 2009. This is simply a scheme whereby more experienced and confident students give some support and guidance to someone much less so. To begin with we are focusing on the Business department. We don’t intend that this will take up too much time, but even a few minutes at various points especially in the early stages of college life can make a huge difference to a fellow student who might be a bit unsure of the new college experience.
The scheme would involve attending a one day certificated training course in the second week of term and having some supportive meetings with a new student as she or he settles in at college. While I’m sure you will agree that this is a good thing in itself, it nevertheless is an opportunity to enhance your own skills and CV. Ayr College will provide you with a £50 shopping voucher at Christmas as a special thank you. In addition to this we promote the Millennium Volunteer Awards programme which recognises the contribution of young people aged 16-25 by way of a certificate for 50, 100 and 200 hours of volunteering. More information on the benefits of becoming a mentor can be found on the Scottish Mentoring Network Website www.scottishmentoringnetwork.co.uk If mentoring interests you please contact me either by e-mail, phone or by simply dropping in to Ayr College’s Student Information Centre at Dam Park.
Scott Brackenridge Guidance Manager Tel: 01292 293468 E-mail: s.brackenridge@ayrcoll.ac.uk
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Freshers Fa ir
The Ayr Coll ege student Freshers Fair will be o n 7th – 9th S eptember. Lots of o rganisations will be in college to promote the ir services to our st ude student disco nts offering them unts and fre eb The 10th Se pt will be a fu ies. n day on the Dam Park Campus.
NUS Extra E
veryone likes a bit of discount when they are out shopping or using the internet, none more so than students on a tight budget. The NUS Extra card is the definitive student discount card that gives a range of exclusive discounts, offers and competitions that can make student life more exciting, more memorable and more rewarding.
The NUS Extra card costs just £10 for the year and is only available to students. It can be used in High Street shops, on the internet and even when travelling abroad at a vast vari-
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ety of place. These include Ticketmaster, Amazon.com, Superdrug, Warehouse, MacDonalds, the AA and Halfords to name but a few. Your Student Association will also benefit as NUS will give back nearly £5 into your Association funds that will help them to organise more fun events for you the students. If you want more details about the card, a full list of the discounts and offers or to purchase your own NUS Extra card, visit their website at www. nus-extra.co.uk
Solutions for The Ayrshire Music Scene ddy Gemmell from Careers Scotland 3TFM Careers Show works with Ayr College and broadcasts many lively interviews about our students and their hopes and dreams for their careers. He also talks to our staff on how we support and inspire our students as they start their journey with us. His show is broadcast on Friday afternoons on 103.1fm. Full details on www.3tfm.org
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Duncan from Yrock was on the show recently and gives his review of the Ayrshire Music Scene panel discussion. While the rest of you were roasting yourselves in the park, undercooking chicken on the disposable BBQ, and generally enjoying your Saturday in the sun Grant and I travelled through to Stevenson, North Ayrshire, to join a lively discussion on the challenges facing the music scene in the west coast. On invitation from the charismatic Eddy Gemmell of 3TFM we joined panelists from community music projects, council representatives, and local musicians, young and old. The great thing about Eddy's vision for this panel was that we were there to reach a solution, not just to talk. I found it interesting to hear that there was a distinct feeling amongst the locals that Ayrshire had no music scene. That wasn't to say that there weren't great musicians in the area, or that people didn't enjoy music, just that there are no real options for like minded music lovers
the careers show
to get together and share their passion. Coming from Glasgow - where I live, work, and socialise - there is never a shortage of music on offer. The variety is great, and there is a sense of community built around many of the shows and clubs that people visit. I realise that this is probably more to do with population numbers and transport links than any other reason, but through discussion, the conclusion that we came to was that there were proactive steps that must be taken in order to encourage the people of Ayrshire to create their own scene. We (YRock) would like to support the young people of Ayrshire to create their own fanzine, both online and as a magazine. Coupled with a bit of extra effort in promotion the young bands should be able to run some great shows and to feel proud of it. Many interesting points were raised and I must commend the Caley Center on its superb range of services available to young musicians and those interested in media. The whole discussion was recorded and will be broadcast on 3TFM in the near future. I'll keep you posted...Dunc If you would like to take part in future panel discussion or have ideas for an interesting topic to discuss please contact: edward.gemmell@careers-scotland. org.uk 13
in the park
Ayr College Student President John O’Neil had undoubtedly one of the best weekends of his life at T in the Park 2009. Here John talks to Buzz about his experience. “T-in-the-park event organisers have already won awards for their special needs facilities. From booking my tickets, to travel arrangements, camping facilities, access around the venue to viewing the various performances, my experience was fantastic.” “Because I have a disability, I got in for a reduced price £185 and could bring a helper along with me free of charge to help me pitch my tent and get around the field. My helper was Stephanie who was visiting her Aunt (Karen McLelland from the FLU) all the way from Hawaii and she just loved the opportu-
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nity to accompany me. We took the green travel option, that is the train from Ayr – Glasgow and a bus from Buchanan street straight to the venue, it was only £25 return and gave me the independence I needed to travel.” “On arrival the event staff issued us with our wrist bands and helped me get my tent set up. There were shower facilities and special portaloos with double spaced access. The event is in a field which was flat with aluminium paths so my power chair was easy to manoeuvre about. There was also a disability friendly bus that taxied us around the different stages. Special viewing platforms had been erected for us and the views were really good.” “I’ve been a few times but I thought 2009 was the best line up ever. My
favourite band is “The Kings of Leon” and they were brilliant as were “The Killers”, James Morrison and James Blunt, Amy Winehouse, Blur and Squeeze were also superb. The atmosphere throughout the weekend was phenomenal, everyone was in a party mood, relaxed happy and peaceful! I met lots of people there that I know as well as meeting new friends.” “It’s a great weekend,I highly recommend it if you have not been before – get your tickets now! www.tinthepark.com. Top tips from me would be get yourself a good blow up mattress or roll mat, travel light, wet wipes, take plenty money as food and drink are very expensive, secure your belongings and look after your ticket, you need it to get about!
Indian Summer Parminder Singh (18) from Bharatpur, Rajastan in India is a student studying Aero Engineering at Ayr College. Throughout the summer he has been working with fellow student Harish Behl for “Hot Wok” a mobile fast food outlet, serving delicious food at music festivals all over the UK. Parminder says, “The first place we went was the Oasis concert in Manchester, it was on over three days. This was the first time in my life I have been to a music concert. Up until now I have only seen bands on the TV or Internet. I really enjoyed it and even got to meet one of the singers from the band who came to buy a chicken pakora from my stand! We worked hard but the perk of the job was to see the concert for free!” “Next we went to the Download Festival at Donington Park in Derby. Major bands played here including the Killers and Backstreet Boys who are my favourites. I had never heard this kind of music before in India and I like it very much. We spent the weekend here and camped for the first time ever. We bought a tent for only £7. This was my favourite festival and I would recommend you have a look at this website so you can see how good it was. www.downloadfestival.co.uk”
LI N IT L E AR
IT LOVE IT VE
Ayr College, UK
was a great experience. After this we spent some time in London and went to see the Blur concert and The Hard Rock Calling.” “After this we moved on to the Wireless Festival in Hyde Park, London which was on the 4th and 5th of July. As well as many world class acts there was lots of entertainment such as a Victorian funfair, the EA Hub where you could play the latest video games, UGG catwalk shows and even a beach with donkeys and deckchairs.” “Then it was back to Scotland for T and the Park. I thought this was one of the biggest sites I have every seen with thousands of tents and people and also one of the dirtiest festivals. In England the cleaners came in every day and cleaned up but in Scotland everyone was walking around in the rubbish. I bought my first pair of Wellingtons!” “The final event we went to was The Global Gathering in Stratford Upon Avon. They told me it was a worldwide festival brand attracting over half a million people from all corners of the globe every year. It did not disappoint and we had another great weekend at this music festival and at the same time I earned good money. This has been an exciting experience and a summer I will never forget.”
Harish Behl
“The next event was the British Grand Prix at Silverstone in London. It was unbelievably fast and furious and very noisy. Being an engineering student I was fascinated by all that I saw. It
r Singh
e Parmind
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NEWS Budding Hotel Manager Scoops Top College Prize Former Ayr College student and trainee hotel manager Vicky Leith recently scooped a top award at a prize-giving ceremony held in the college. Vicky (20) from Ayr, who has just finished an HND in Hospitality Management at the college, won the Molly Brown Award, and received £200, a silver quaich, and a certificate in recognition of her achievements throughout the duration of her studies at Ayr College. Molly Brown was a well-known hotelier in Ayr who left a bequest to Ayr College in 2002 to encourage and assist hospitality students in their careers. Vicky said: “The lecturers didn’t tell me that I had been nominated for the award so it came as a big surprise! I was really touched that they did that and also really pleased to win. I just found out that Molly Brown actually used to own Elm’s Court where I used to work, so it’s a lovely coincidence! “I can’t believe I am now finished my HND and am moving on from the college. I really enjoyed the course and gained some great experience. I am about to begin a Trainee Manager programme at the Western House Hotel and can’t wait to get started. “I am extremely grateful for all of the support and encouragement I received from the lecturers at Ayr College, as well as my 16
family and the management team at the Western House Hotel.” William Ferguson, Hospitality Curriculum Manager said: “Vicky worked extremely hard during the HND course and showed herself to be an extremely committed student. As well as studying full-time, Vicky also worked at Western House and volunteered to help at charity dinners and functions whenever she could. Her attitude and achievements have been exemplary.”
Creative Writing Competition
2009
M What Scotland Means to
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ach year Waterstone’s sponsor a creative writing competition for Ayr College students. Any of our students can enter with the chance of winning £200 worth of book tokens which is a fantastic prize. Ayr College would like to thank Waterstone’s for their much appreciated sponsorship. This year there were two winners; Sophie Wilson (Pathways student ) and John O’Neill (Student President and Business Studies student). Each winner received £100 of tokens. John has kindly agreed to let us publish his winning poem.
Find us on Twitter
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hoose by the sea, As I sit here nichtly in ma scene, tae a ship filled harbour Staring oot ma windae stly mo t sometimes sunny bu Ayr the toon ‘ave chosen frozen, erests me, even late one is what int But its poetic licence or vices ma end for sure just like him Rabbie ma heroe a leg not pure, sure, a hill billie they caw it am I came fae the country oor Rab, e lik t t a sojar ma fate jus Not ploughing fields bu een n Country, Gave half ma life to Qu r Rabbie, tle by the sea just like oo Na’er did a think A’d set ma mamfae and it’s kept me away Ayrshire’s engulfed me mie, ht, red me n sent me tae fig Though the English captu each ly ful and and a sleep peace Ma bloods still wi’ Scotl night, richt, bloo am still Scottish aw Though ma bloods nae nicht. od go wi’ Pride aye bid ye Ma heart is to Scotland John O’Neill 26/04/09
Did You Know?
You can download your own copy of this magazine from the News section of the Ayr College website. 17
NEWS Get Ready for Work – Girvan A yr College is now recruiting for a new employability programme, “Get Ready for Work”, for local people in Girvan and South Carrick. The programme is designed for 16-18 year olds who want to improve their chances of gaining employment and is part-funded by Skills Development Scotland.
The trainees will first follow a 4 week introduction, building on skills such as; jobseeking, working in a team, problem solving, communication and introductory IT. The young people will also receive coaching during their Ayr College based work placements. Trainees will then progress onto a 22 week long work placement based with a
local employer. Local Retail, Business and Tourism companies will be supporting the trainees through the 22 weeks, allowing the young people to gain the essential skills for work as well as gaining valuable experience to add to their CV.
A training subsidy of £55 a week will be paid the duration of the 26 week programme and transport costs will also be reimbursed after the first £3 incurred. Centre Manager, Nicola Hendry commented, “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to gain real work experience and brush up on the vital skills employers are looking for in today’s labour market . It is the first programme of its kind to be based in Girvan in recent times and I look forward to seeing the benefits for the trainees and employers alike”.
For further information on the programme, please contact Business Support Officer Mary Cunningham on (01292) 293 455. 18
Make It Happen!
Arts Group Receive Methodist Church Funding
T
he Make It Happen! Arts Group, founded by three former students of Ayr College, has received a further £5000 grant from the Methodist Church in Scotland to fund an exciting new ‘Storysack Library’ initiative. The group was established in 2007 after mature students, Rosetta Auld, Julie Campbell and Diana Mutimer, met while studying the part-time HNC Community Arts course at Ayr College. They have since successfully implemented a number of exciting projects in the Girvan Community, in particular the Community Garden. The new library initiative, fronted by Rosetta Auld, a retired primary school teacher, aims to entice young children into reading through creatively designed ‘storysacks’ which illustrate the story. Over the past two years Ayr College lecturer, Teresa Lakey, and her Craft Enterprise students, have designed, made, and donated to the group several storysacks for popular children’s novels including Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and The Three Little Pigs. The group’s overall aim is to produce over 50 of these storysacks for a wide range of children’s books, both modern and traditional. The project, entitled ‘Bairns’n’Books’ Storysack Library, will open to the public in August and will take place on Tuesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm at the Methodist Church, Dalrymple Street, Girvan. The grant, awarded by the Scotland District of the Methodist Church’s Educa-
tional Budget, will allow parents and children to borrow storysacks, attend storytelling sessions, and will also be used to employ part-time staff. Rosetta said: “Making the storysacks is a sociable and creative activity. We currently have around ten volunteers helping us get the storysacks ready for opening and hope to have them completed by August. Our next volunteer workshop is on Saturday 4th July at 1pm and if anyone fancies getting involved they should come along to Girvan Methodist Church. We are hugely grateful to the Methodist Church for their generous donations and for allowing us to run ‘Bairns’n’Books’ in their premises.” Ayr College Principal Diana Rawlinson added: “It is wonderful to see our Ayr College graduates making such a difference in their communities. The storysack initiative is a great idea and is well worthy of the recent additional funding. We wish the group all the very best for the new initiative and any future endeavours.”
For more information on Make It Happen! please contact 01465 713234 or visit www.makeithappen-girvan.org.uk. 19
CUMNOCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE
AWARDS 2009
20
MUSIC REVIEW “A dreadful pile of over-processed, overloaded frippery, or a work of genius?�
sounds as though Frank is suggesting his mum puts her feet up and reads Take a Break magazine.
C
omplete Me is the debut album from producer Vincent Frank, who's remixed songs by the likes of Mika, the Pet Shop boys, and CSS. He's come up with a collection of heavilyprocessed arrangements, continuing the current 80s omnipresence in pop. You can almost hear the mixing desk groaning under layer upon layer of synthetic excess. But while this is definitely an acquired taste, there are several moments of pure joy. After all, there's always a place for throwaway, throwaboutable pop. Highlights include When You're Around, which plays around with the Strangler's Golden Brown organ; the ridiculously infectious single 3 Little Words, with trad electric guitar solo and off-beat breakdown; Better Off As Two is similarly buoyant, backed up by a clever little sample. But sadly, Wonder Woman is a slightly ill-advised song that
Frank's vocals are at their best when most effortless, like the verse of Better Off As Two and 3 little Words. Straight out of the Mika vocal stable, Frank's falsetto and frequently audible struggle can err on the side of shouting, meaning all the instrumentation needs to be cranked up in order to normalize it. The thoughtful ballad Complete Me is an example, with some perfectly nice moments of vocal and piano but also a synth bassline gradually building up to a chorus where he finally reaches hernia inducing pitches where angels fear to tread. Time Will Tell is another strange one, the bassline lurching along with the drums for a perfect seasickness simulator. With some happy hardcore 'put the needle on the record' loops slapped on top, it's definitely a new sound... But then to redress the balance, Confusion Girl is a laid back, happy, huge sounding pop song. It's actually quite hard to decide whether Complete Me is a dreadful pile of overprocessed, overloaded frippery, or if it's a work of genius. It could purely come down to whether you've got the stomach for it.
Lucy Davies 2009-07-31 www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/p6w6
21
Call:
0845 60
22
60 23 4
Office
Job Title
Location
Expected Salary
Hours
Ref
Ayr
Gent’s Barber
Ayr
Meets National Minimum Wage
16 hrs
AYY 14423
Ayr
Breakfast Chef
Town Centre, Ayr
Meets National Minimum Wage
30-40 hrs
AYY 14418
Ayr
Staff Nurse
Ayr
Competitive rates of pay
18 hrs
AYY 14397
Ayr
Bookkeeper
Crosshill, Maybole
Meets National Minimum Wage
8 hrs
AYY 14392
Ayr
Dental Nurse
Ayr
Exceeds National Minimum Wage
29.25 hrs AYY 14402
Ayr
Security Guard
Ayr
Meets National Minimum Wage
40 hrs
AYY 14415
Ayr
Care Assistant
Prestwick, Ayrshire
£5.73 per hour
22-36 hrs
AYY 14257
Ayr
Chef
Ayr
£6.00 per hour
20+ hrs
AYY 14310
Ayr
Brake Press Setter Operator
Monkton, Prestwick
Negotiable Depending on Experience
39 hrs
AYY 14375
Ayr
Kitchen Assistant
Monkton, Prestwick
£6.25 per hour
12 hrs
AYY 14437
Girvan
Maintenance Engineer
Girvan
National Minimum Wage
36.5 hrs
GIR 9164
Irvine
Centre Co-Coordinator/Janitor
Stevenston
Meets National Minimum Wage
16 hrs
IRV 29951
Irvine
Mechanic/Technician
Irvine
Depends on experience
40 hrs
IRV 29734
Irvine
Social Care Worker Night Shift (female)
Irvine
£7.32 per hour plus nightshift allowance
37 hrs
IRV 30047
Irvine
Social Care worker
Irvine
£7.32 per hour
37 hrs
IRV 30048
Irvine
Office cleaner
Irvine
£5.80 per hour
10 hrs
IRV 29997
Kilmarnock
Care Assistant
Fenwick
Meets National Minimum Wage
38 hrs
KAN 11133
Kilmarnock
Domestic/Laundry Assistant
Fenwick
Meets National Minimum Wage
26 hrs
KAN 11135
Kilmarnock
Care Assistant [Nights]
Fenwick
Meets National Minimum Wage
22 hrs
KAN 11132
Kilmarnock
Domestic/laundry Assistant
Fenwick
Meets National Minimum Wage
21 hrs
KAN 11134
Kilmarnock
Nursery Nurse
Kilmarnock
Exceeds National Minimum Wage
35 hrs
KAN 10890
Kilmarnock
MOT Mechanic
Kilmarnock
Exceeds National Minimum Wage
40 hrs
KAN 10994
Saltcoats
PSV Driver
Kilwinning
Exceeds National Minimum Wage
15-20 hrs
SAL 35866
Saltcoats
Head Chef
Kilwinning
Exceeds national minimum wage
40-45 hrs
SAL 35863
Saltcoats
Curtain Maker
Largs
Meets National Minimum Wage
20 hrs
SAL 35862
Saltcoats
Bricklaying Squad
Millport
Meets National Minimum Wage
40 hrs
SAL 35860
Saltcoats
Recreation Assistant
Stevenston
6.55 per hour
37 hrs
SAL 35859
23
BIG
THE MONTHLY QUIZ What film is this famous line from?
1. "The United States government just asked us to save the world. Anybody want to say no?"
2. "If only you could see what I have seen with your eyes!"
3. "If that plane leaves the ground and you're not on it, you'll regret it. Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But soon and for the rest of your life." 4. "It's the first day of school, fellas." 5. "Drugs is a dirty business." 6. "Help me Clarence, please. I want to live again." 7. "You work on commission right? Big mistake. Big." 8. "They send you here for life and that's exactly what they take. At least the part of it that counts anyway." 9. "I'm the King of the World." 10. "A census taker once tried to test me. I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti." 11. “Are You Annie?” 12. “I don’t want to be a pie…..I don’t like gravy” 13. “Got any cod?.....all we serve here is soul!” 14. Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get” 15.“Fish are friends not food” 16.“Broadsword calling Danny Boy” 17."Who are you then?....Just a fly in the ointment. A monkey in the
wrench. A pain in the ass." 18.“Needs Garlic” 19.“I’ll have what she’s having” 20.“The trouble with Scotland is it’s full of Scots”
we are on
Find the answers on the News & Events page of the college website www.ayrcoll.ac.uk or on the college intranet.
Congratulations to former Ayr College students who have graduated this year from University of Aberdeen: Jamal Yacoub Mohammad, Degree of Bachelor of Science in Genetics. Also from the University of St Andrews: Mohammad Kreimei, Bachelor of Science (Honours) Medicine.