Bedford College - Pulse

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PULSE

All you need to know about joining Bedford College in September 2019 WELCOME

With time flying past we thought it would be useful to get back in touch and let you know about some of the key dates leading up to when your study programme starts. This newsletter will give you a lot of useful information and our website will also be updated over the summer to ensure that you can find the answers to any questions you may have.

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MEET OUR STUDENTS

ZAQYAS Electrical Engineering Level 3

LAUREN Graphic Design Level 3

I wanted to study Engineering at College because it’s a subject that gives you an understanding of everything in the world around you. Being at College has made me want to learn more and I know I’m getting taught from the best.

My tutors are experts in their fields and have set me extracurricular tasks in programming, microcontrollers and circuit boards, which I like to get on with.

I love studying Graphic Design because you can be really playful with your work. When I visited Bedford College on an open day, I saw the work that current students were producing and thought it was really good. The tutors told me that I could achieve the same and, although I hadn’t studied Graphics at school, I wanted to push myself.

The new Buchanan Centre for Engineering is fantastic with plenty of facilities in the labs; it’s an independent environment where you can choose what you want to focus on. For one of our projects we had to choose from three common world problems to solve. I chose a biometric fingerprint attendance system to be used in schools and colleges, which I built from scratch.

Our tutors always give us a clear vision of what might work, but never pin us down to one idea - you choose what goes into your coursework book and how you develop your ideas.

I was really proud of my final major project last year. The brief was ‘cities’ and I produced a London architecture booklet; it was a great excuse to go down to London for research, too!

The students here win a lot of Graphic Design competitions, which is proof that the tutors can help you!

RYAN Sport Level 2 I love being able to spend time training at College, but also enjoy the theory work.

Everyone is easy to get along with because we all enjoy sport and the tutors are very understanding and helpful, so no one falls behind. We’re trusted and given more freedom at College, and because the tutors give you respect, you want to show respect back by getting your work done on time.

Once I’ve completed my Level 3 at College I want to join a bigger basketball team to access better coaches and then hopefully travel overseas to train up. If I don’t make it as a professional player then I’d like to stay in the industry and work as a Personal Trainer.

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FAQS 1. A friend of mine has now decided that 4. I’ve done better in my exams

they want to come to college. Is it too than expected. late for them to apply?

Congratulations! If you have achieved higher grades than you expected then it may be possible for you to start on a higher level course straight away. Come along to see us on GCSE Results Day Thursday 22 August, 10.00am-7.00pm to discuss your options.

Although we accept applications throughout the summer these are subject to places remaining available on the course, so the sooner applications are submitted the better. Apply online, or pop into our Cauldwell Street campus, and we will be able to advise you on availability.

2. I’ve changed my mind about the course.

For all Frequently Asked Questions please visit: www.bedford.ac.uk/faq

You’re not on your own and we can help you find another course that you want to do. Just pop into our Cauldwell Street campus and we will be happy to talk through your options. Remember that most of our courses do fill up quickly, so do talk to us as soon as possible if you are unsure. It also means that we can help another person who might be on the waiting list for the same course.

3. What if my grades aren’t good enough for the course I have chosen.

Don’t panic. Whatever your results, there will be a course for you at the right level to help you reach your ultimate career and study goals. Get in touch or pop along to our GCSE Results Day Open Day on Thursday 22 August 2019, 10.00am-7.00pm so that we can discuss your options.

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COLLEGE VERSUS SCHOOL Of course, we think College is great, but we also know that if you’ve never been, you won’t really know what it has to offer.

So take a look below and we hope it helps you make up your mind to do what is best for you…

More subjects to choose from

Your own support team

If History, Science, Art or PE do not interest you, you’ll be spoilt for choice with new subjects to study at college. Did someone say Motor Vehicle? Construction? Hairdressing? Performing Arts? The possibilities are (almost) endless!

We know earlier we mentioned that college is a more mature environment than school, but you also get lots of great support.

You’ll have access to our Student Services team who can help with pretty much any question you have- from applying to university to paying for your bus pass.

A varied day Most full-time students will have four days a week in college.

Outside of timetables lessons, you will be expected to put in additional study hours, either at home or in our Learning Resources Centre on site.

TOTUM CARD

A more independent you From calling tutors by their first name, to deciding how and when you want to study, you’ll find college is a much more mature environment… and you’ll become a more independent person as a result.

New people, new places One of the best things about coming to college is making new friends. You’ll find people who share the same interests as you both in class and outside as the various clubs and societies.

Depending on where you live you may also have a whole new town to explore!

Not just a classroom Forget the days of learning just from a textbook, now is the time to take your learning to the next level. Depending on your subject you’ll learn in real life working environments – such as working on a building site, in a working restaurant or a beauty salon.

A stepping stone into industry

All of our students are entitled to purchase the Totum Card. These cost £12 and give you great discounts with many local and national retailers, fast food restaurants, cinemas and much more!

To find out more, visit www.nus.org.uk/en/nus-extra Top brands include: • 10% off at Superdrug • 10% off ASOS • 10% off Topshop/Topman • 25% off Domino’s

Many of the tutors at our College have industry experience, which means they’ve had a professional career in the area they’re teaching you! From singers, to hairdressers and soldiers, they’ll be able to answer your questions about future careers and help you to find work experience placements through our dedicated work placement team. There are also lots of great opportunities with local and national companies at college; from competitions to guest speakers.

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KEY DATES You are nearly ready to start working towards achieving a career you love. Here are some dates to keep free before starting with us.

Welcome Day You will need to attend a Welcome Day in July where you will get a taste of college life, meet your tutors and make friends with others in your study programme.

Tuesday 2 July 2019, 9.00am-4.00pm

GCSE results day Open Day If you have any last minute questions or concerns about your exam results and would like to come and speak to a tutor about your study programme, come along to the Open Day. Thursday 22 August 2019, 10.00am-7.00pm Pre-register at www.bedford.ac.uk/opendays

Enrolment Enrolment will take place between Friday 23 August 2019 and Tuesday 3 September 2019.

You will receive notification of your specific date in July. At enrolment you will receive your timetable, ID badge and everything else you need so that you are fully prepared for the start of your study programme.

Start your study programme Our term begins on Monday 16 September 2019.

Check out our website for all the information you need about starting your course at Bedford College. You can also email us at enquiries@bedford.ac.uk of give us a call on: 01234 291000

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WHAT OUR STUDENTS HAVE BEEN UP TO RECENTLY…

Bedford-based family-brewer Charles Wells has challenged Bedford College students to come up with branding design ideas for its new multi-million investment brewhouse and visitor destination, due to open to the public in early 2020.

Identical twins Jasmine and Shola McAteer, went live on national TV screens in the Christmas Lidl advert “Make Christmas a Lidl special”. Jasmine is studying Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance at the South Banks Arts Centre of Bedford College, and Shola is at The Bedford Sixth Form studying English Literature, English Language, Sociology, Fine Art and Dance.

Star students took to the stage in the annual Bedfordshire Achievement Ceremony hosted by The Bedford College Group.

Students studying for a Level 3 UAL (University of Arts London) Extended Diploma in Art & Design tested out their photography skills with photography giants Fujifilm’s new instax cameras.

Our Level 2 Engineering students had the privilege of seeing what goes on at Marshall Amps. Speakers, pedals and foot witches. Each speaker is hand crafted and build in the UK.

Art and Design Exchange student Eva Cringle got through to the final 25 from 4,000 entries worldwide for the Space Foundation International Student Art Contest, beating a global field of talent for her work to be exhibited.

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Our Level 3 Business students had a visit from ex Bedford College student Josh Geekie, who spoke all about digital marketing and setting up his own business in Bedford.

Two teams from our Computing department competed at the VEX Robotics Regional competition. Both teams developed their own unique set of features and functions for their machines.

Our Computing and IT Students attended the Computing and IT Progression Event to talk about their future careers with employers, universities and apprenticeship recruiters.

Uniformed Public Services students attended the Outward Bound Centre, Ullswater as part of their Leadership and Teamwork Unit.

Our Business students took part in the national Tenner Challenge. Using their ÂŁ10 pledges to get their business ideas off the ground to make a profit

Travel and Tourism Level 3 students enjoyed a trip to Marbella as part of their course, where they cover a range of units including Passenger Transport and European Destinations.

Our students took part in the annual Hair and Beauty Show at the Bedford Corn Exchange, where this year’s theme was under the sea!

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STUDENT BAG ESSENTIALS

Do you often get to school and realise you’ve forgotten something important? Or are you fed up of carrying too much to and from home everyday and not using half of what you bring? Whatever your student bag woes, we’re here to help!

Check out our list of essentials below. They might not all be relevant to you, but it’s a good place to start. Why not make your own list so you can check everything off before you leave in the morning?

Pencil Case A couple of pens, highlighter, pencil, rubber, ruler and pencil sharpener. If you need other specific equipment for your course, such as a compass, make sure that’s in there too.

Notepad and lesson notes Make sure you have plenty of paper to take notes during classes. Top tip: Take the notes you make out of the notepad every night and file into the relevant folder at home so you don’t lose them.

Textbooks Remember to check your timetable and take all the books you need for each lesson every day.

Diary/planner You’ll need this to record deadlines for homework, events that are coming up and other important dates such as, dare we say it, exams?!

Thin ring binder or plastic wallet This is to keep any handouts and other sheets of paper you are given safe. Top tip: If your binders are getting heavy, take a small one to college every day with the stuff you’re currently working on and transfer the work to the bigger ones once you get home.

Post-its or page markers These are really handy for making notes during class and saving pages in a textbook.

Student ID You need this to gain entry to the campus every day, so don’t forget it!

Bus pass Again, you’ll need this if you use a bus to get to college. Save some pounds and make sure it’s in the bag!

USB stick These are great to bring work, such as presentations, into college and to save something digitally when you don’t have your laptop with you.

Umbrella Need we say more?!

Water bottle It’s a well known fact that drinking plenty of water helps improve focus and concentration. Top tip: There are water coolers placed all around the college campus, so bring a refillable bottle and stay hydrated!

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FEELING AT HOME AT OUR BEDFORD CAMPUS…

Our students tell us that they love how Bedford College is so different to studying at school…

The hub of the College community, this room is your dedicated space to relax between classes. There is a kitchenette with a microwave. It’s also a great place to meet new friends on different courses, as it is a communal space for all students on campus.

• Your own Personal Achievement Tutor alongside your subject tutors

Yourspace Common Room

Munch & Mocha Restaurant and Coffee Shop Our restaurant and coffee shop is the ideal place to debate your last class over a coffee or savour a delicious lunch with friends. There are also plenty of take-away options available.

Smaller food outlets or vending machines can be found in other College buildings throughout the campus.

• More subjects to choose from • A varied day with time for independent study between lessons • Freedom to study in the way that works best for you • New friends to make and a new area to explore • Swap the textbooks for real life working environments • Benefit from the industry experience of your tutors and their connections

• The Bedford College Group Students’ Union.

“ What’s great about the College environment is that the students are here because they want to be. The tutors are all brilliant and you also have the support of Student Services and the careers advice team, so there is always someone you can go to for and advice.”

Sameera | Travel & Tourism Level 3

Learning Resources Centre (LRC) Our modern LRC is the place for you to spend time studying outside of classes, with spaces for both individual and group study, and over 30,000 resources including books, journals, e-journals and other online resources and more to support your learning. You can also access computers including PCs, Macs and Netbooks, or make use of our free WiFi. Plus, when you’re not on-site you can access online resources and library services from wherever you are 24/7 through Moodle – our online student portal.

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