February 2012
Birmingham Metropolitan College Student Newsletter
Hayden crowned Principal’s Welcome STAR learner Welcome to the latest BMET Student News.
I know that many of you have been very busy taking your examinations and finishing semester one of your courses. I hope that everything went well for you and that you achieve the grades you want.
A student who battled with a brain tumour while studying his A Levels was named STAR Learner of the Year by BMET. Hayden Mills was awarded the title at a special awards ceremony which celebrated the academic and personal achievements of 24 short listed learners from across the College. “I really wasn’t expecting to win the STAR Learner Award at all, so was really happy and proud,” said Hayden. “The award marks the end of the difficult times I had battling against my illness. It also reminds me of some of the great things I achieved and experienced at BMET, such as achieving my A Levels and taking part in College activities. “I also met some great students and staff who were always friendly
and would go out of their way to help me.” Although Hayden was diagnosed with a pituitary tumour and underwent regular intensive radiotherapy treatment, he continued to attend college regularly. Through his hard work and determination, he achieved an A* in Maths, A’s in Physics and Computing and a B in AS Level Further Maths, earning himself a place at the University of Birmingham studying Computer Science. Hayden and fellow-STAR nominee, Robert Thomas have also been chosen to represent BMET during the 2012 Olympic torch relay. Other Student STARs are featured inside.
As well as continuing with your present course, you will all be looking to the future and thinking about what you plan to do next year. Many of you have sent your applications off to UCAS, and others will be thinking about continuing your studies at BMET and progression onto the next level of courses. The internal progression process starts soon where you will have an interview with your personal tutor to discuss your options for next year and the appropriate courses which you can move onto. We have a wide range of courses to help you achieve your career aims and it is important that you choose carefully. Next semester is a busy time for you all as you move towards the end of your courses. I hope you are planning your time carefully to get your assignments completed on time and if you are a student taking examinations that you revise thoroughly. It will be hard work for you but the benefits of performing well on your courses will help set you up for a prosperous career in the future.
BMET STUDENT NEWS
Sam’s prize-winning holiday snap An image of a Barmouth beach sunset taken by student photographer, Sam Walker won a national travel photography competition. Sam was the under-18 category winner in the Insight Guides Travel Photography Competition run in association with the Independent on Sunday. “This was the first photography competition I’d entered so I was really pleased when I found out I’d won,” said Sam, whose prize was a new Olympus camera to support him in his studies. “I’d visited Barmouth a few times with family and was there again last summer. Although I’d spent an entire day taking photos, in the back of my mind I knew I’d get to take the perfect image at sunset. At around 9pm, I took one last shot on the beach and this ended up as the winning photograph.”
Sam’s photographs were part of a summer project assigned to photography students to give them
An actor’s journey
their first experiences of responding to a brief. All students were then encouraged to enter three of their holiday images for the competition. Metropolitan Academy of Performing Arts’ (BMAPA) first ever student seminar. “It was great to meet Arthur,” said BMAPA student, Vincent Botting. “Along with talking about his experiences on Doctor Who, he told us useful things about life at drama school and the process of auditioning for parts. “It was good to know that although he’s achieved lots, his career has had its highs and lows, just like any other actor’s.”
Travelling in the tardis and fighting daleks and cyberman are actually just some elements of Doctor Who star, Arthur Darvill’s thriving career.
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The RADA-trained actor who plays Rory Williams in the show has also done voice and stage work and is a musician and composer; as such, the ideal person to head the Birmingham
Fellow-student Ryan Gilbody added: “I’ve been offered a place at a drama school, so was keen for Arthur to talk about what life was like at RADA and to get some advice about securing an agent. He was really helpful on both counts.”
BMET STUDENT NEWS
A pop up party atmosphere Instead of presenting her with a card and some chocolates, the students of Fashion Lecturer, Lorna Sawyers celebrated her 50th birthday by helping her raise money for Cancer Research UK. Over £2,000 was raised by the BTEC Fashion and Graphic Design students who set up their own pop up shop at the party venue, selling books, t shirts, pictures, bags and mugs; all with their own work printed on. Their efforts led to them gaining an additional qualification and ensured
that Lorna experienced a birthday to remember.
Congratulations from Ciaran
For further information about Cancer Research UK visit www.cancerresearchuk.org autographs, Ciaran Clark heard from the learners how completing their programme had impacted on their lives, including helping them get jobs and other career-related skills and qualifications. “Team is a really good course,” said learner, Jack Featherstone. “I want to work as an outdoor instructor so by going on an activities-based residential and a work placement at Freax who deliver outdoor activity courses, I learned lots and have updated my CV.”
Aston Vila FC’s Ciaran Clark surprised BMET learners on a Prince’s Trust programme when he turned up at their end of course presentation to congratulate them on their achievements.
of team building activities and a community project at Grove Vale School in Great Barr. Working with charity organisation, New Heights, they also helped out at a festive carol concert and served a Christmas dinner to community members.
The 13 learners that made up Team 68 had completed a range
As well as posing for a number of photographs and signing
Learner, Aaron Ramsay also achieved success. The commitment he showed during his work placement at the Square Peg in Birmingham city centre impressed the bar manager so much that he was offered part time work. “The Team programme really helped me gain confidence,” he said. “I’m waiting for a start date to join the army and until then am happy to be working. After leaving school four years ago and not being sure of what I wanted to do, I finally feel as though I’m getting somewhere in life.”
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BMET STUDENT NEWS
Inspiration for student designers One of the UK’s most imaginative and innovative designers and art directors shared his passion for moving image art at one of BMET’s popular FEED seminars.
“Johnny Hardstaff was inspirational,” said student, Arjun Harrison-Mann. “He showed us how to explore our creative potential, including where to get
ideas from and how to work with clients.” Fellow-student, Ben Cain also enjoyed meeting Hardstaff. “Everyone could relate to what he was saying about the industry and it was encouraging for him to tell us that we should always ‘be ourselves’ when it came to producing work for others.”
Johnny Hardstaff whose work has been used by Sony, Fox and Phillips among others encouraged aspiring visual artists to express their creativity as freely as possible and to take advantage of the new opportunities opening up within the industry. Showcasing the breadth of his work including a music video for the group, Radiohead and a noir film, Darkroom, Hardstaff demonstrated how he has successfully forged a career within the commercial and non-commercial sectors without compromising his work. He also took questions from students and gave them advice on their work.
Training hard for tryouts
Along with studying an accounting qualification and having full time jobs, students, Patrick Palmer and Phinehas Stewart have been equally committed athletes as they are hoping to make it to the 2012 Olympics. Athletics olympic trials will take place at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium in June with around 45 sportsmen from across the country eager to gain a place on the GB team. Having taken up running at the ages of 16 and 17 and been part of the Birchfield Harriers, Patrick and Phinehas are now in training six days a week. BMET wishes them the best of luck in the tryouts.
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BMET STUDENT NEWS
Kidderminster Academy launched X-Factor sensations, The Risk were a big hit at the launch of the new Kidderminster Academy which will open in September. The four piece who gained many fans as a result of the TV show, performed songs and met prospective students interested in studying at the skills and entrepreneurial Academy at Weavers Wharf, Kidderminster. Curriculums showcased at the launch event included catering, computer games development, health care, fashion, entrepreneurship and engineering. Plans were also unveiled for the new Samsung Experience Academy which will deliver qualifications and skills training for emerging SMART technologies. Facilities at the Academy will
include a fashion studio, online, TV and radio broadcast studio, motion capture studio, 3D scanning and printing facilities, retail space and restaurant and construction workshops. The Academy at Kidderminster is a partnership between BMET and
Kidderminster College and will deliver full time courses for up to 1,000 16-18 year-olds and adult learners. If you want to know more information about courses available at the Academy, visit www. bmetc.ac.uk/kiddacad or email kiddacad@bmetc.ac.uk
Prosecution and defence A debating experience was enjoyed by law students who took part in a moot against teams from Joseph Chamberlain College and the University of Birmingham. The case involved an assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The defendant was accused of being present at the attack and filming it on his mobile phone. During two competition heats, one student team acted as the prosecution and had to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant was present at the attack, while a defence team had to
try and convince the jury that their client was not there at all. All teams prepared persuasive arguments and enjoyed being in
a courtroom environment. Other students acted as jurors and witnesses which also gave them a better understanding of what these roles involve.
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BMET STUDENT NEWS Languages and Skills For Life
A Celebration of Excellence Our Annual Student STAR Awards are an occasion for us to pay tribute to the learners who have achieved excellence. 24 Learners were selected to represent the hundreds of nominations we received. The Awards Ceremony dinner was held at Matthew Boulton Campus in November. Emma Jesson, ITV’s weather girl hosted the event, and parents and friends had a wonderful evening. We would like to congratulate all learners who were nominated for an Award, and all learners nominated received gift tokens and certificates to recognise their outstanding performances. Overall category winners were:
Creative, Performing and Visual Arts
Anthony Platt Level 1 and 2 Literacy A full-time health care assistant, Anthony’s aim of progressing within the sector was held back by his reading difficulties. Determined to achieve success, he gained Level 1 and 2 Literacy qualifications in the same year. This led to him progressing on to an Access to Health course where he manages his studies and continues to work towards becoming a specialist nurse or a paramedic.
Management, Business, Accounts, Law and Information Technology
Fiona Hobson BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphic Design Fiona’s high standard of work was consistent throughout the two years that she studied at the College’s FEED studios at Millennium Point. After achieving an overall Distinction Star grade, she is now continuing her graphic design studies at Bristol University.
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Jessica Beeson BTEC National Diploma in Business An exceptional student, Jessica achieved a triple Distinction grade and was one of the most proactive members of the College’s Met Enterprise Academy where she attended Birmingham Chamber of Commerce events, guru lectures and workshops. The enthusiasm she showed during her Academy internship led to her gaining full-time employment as a marketing executive.
BMET STUDENT NEWS Medical, Health Care and Life Sciences
Tracy Parchment Access to Health Science/Nursing Returning to education after a 20-year break had its challenges for Tracy, but her hard work, excellent attendance and punctuality resulted in her achieving Distinction grades in all of her subjects. Her skills and abilities led to her securing one of 27 places on a midwifery course at Coventry University ahead of over 1,000 applicants.
Sports, Public Services and Child Care
Lorraine Sparks Foundation Degree in Early Years Having always harboured ambitions of becoming a teacher, Lorraine returned to education after a nineyear gap. She gained a place at university to complete a teaching degree after embarking on an Early Years foundation degree which was preceded by Level 2 and 3 CACHE teaching assistant qualifications.
Technology, Digital and Building Services
Peter Newbery National Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Peter was well deserving of the triple Distinction grade he achieved on his course. As part of his second year project, he successfully built an electronics track to follow a robot mouse with very little assistance, which impressed all of his teachers. Now at Portsmouth University, Peter continues to impress his lecturers and fellow-learners.
Apprentices
Tim Egerton Advanced Modern Apprentice Engineering An apprentice at BMW, Tim proved to be a capable learner with a strong work ethic. He supports his fellow students and has also been a proactive member of the College’s Learner Voice student committee where he has shared views about student experiences, campus facilities and teaching strategies.
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BMET STUDENT NEWS
Higher success 148 of BMET’s higher education learners attended graduation ceremonies at Birmingham’s Council House. Keynote speakers and award presenters, Julie Robson, National Executive Director at the Skills Funding Agency and Greg Lowson, Head of Pinsent Masons LLP also extended their congratulations to all graduates, encouraged them to recognise the support of family, friends and colleagues and advised them to embrace all future opportunities to the best of their abilities. Hats off to all graduates Here are highlights from both ceremonies:
hael Ratcliffe Miley with Lecturer, Mic rah Choudary and Kerry Sed ts, pien reci rd Awa Podiatry Special
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BMET STUDENT NEWS
Professional Certificate in Radiotherapy graduates
ess and HND Busin udent and st l na ta io up at G Intern te, Kavish ent gradua Managem
Legal Stud ies Special Award reci Craig Watts pient, with Lectur er, Tim Turn er
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BMET STUDENT NEWS
Enterprise celebrations Melody Hossaini, star of BBC’s The Apprentice and Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges were the guest speakers at a celebratory dinner hosted by students from BMET Enterprise Academy. The business studies students networked with employers from across the city so that they could share their experiences of being in the Academy and encourage business people to offer them internships over the summer. The dinner also gave students the opportunity to present a cheque for over £27,000 to Birmingham Children’s Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. College students and staff, in
partnership with the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and
Industry raised the money through a series of initiatives last year.
Excellence recognised BMET Enterprise Academy student, Luca Davis was one of seven students from Sutton Coldfield to receive an Excellence Award at a Business and Enterprise Recognition Awards Evening arranged by the Sutton Coldfield Consortium. Nominated by his lecturer for his successful six-week summer internship at property consultants, Fleet Milne Residential, Luca was presented with his award by Olympic athlete, Ashia Hansen MBE. “It was a real honour just to be nominated, let alone receive the award,” said Business Studies Extended Diploma student, Luca. “It showed the business community how much value young people place on work experience opportunities. “My time at Fleet Milne Residential was really enjoyable. It was challenging work at times, but all
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of it benefited me in some way. “I liaised with property agents and conducted some property inspections. I also restructured the filing system, which gave me the chance to work independently and use my initiative.
“The internship has given me a better work ethic; something I wouldn’t have gained in any other capacity than being in a workplace, so I’m very grateful to Fleet Milne for welcoming me to their organisation.”
BMET STUDENT NEWS
Tournament hat trick The BMET Sport Netball Academy were in high spirits after winning the Birmingham Schools Tournament for a third consecutive year. The Netball Academy has gone from strength to strength, and allows students to play at the highest possible level with training, sports specific advice and guidance, as well as competitive matches purposely built into the academic programme. The College also has close links with Parkside Netball club who compete at the highest level regionally and were national finalists during 2009-10.
The return of Rachell Having spent time working for international fashion photographer, Rankin, and then becoming a successful celebrity and fashion photographer in her own right, Rachell Smith had plenty to talk about when she returned to the Matthew Boulton Campus. The former BTEC Photography Diploma student described some of her experiences of working in fashion, beauty and film photography and portraiture. Her images of singers Pixie Lott and Caro Emerald have appeared in the Mail on Sunday’s You magazine and she has also worked on campaigns for Littlewoods and Very. Rachell gave current photography students lots of advice about client relationships and photo copyrights and encouraged them all to practice as much photography as possible. She also spoke individually to students about their career ambitions.
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BMET STUDENT NEWS
Experts in basic Spanish Bien hecho (well done) were the congratulatory words students shared with one another after completing a Spanish speaking and listening course.
A Level and vocational students from the Sutton Coldfield campus completed the entry level course as a way of supporting their studies and adding to the achievements on their CVs. “The course was really enjoyable,” said A Level student, Sharene Harvey. “I’m studying Maths, Media and Drama and thought that learning some basic Spanish would be a good experience for me. “We all had fun and the qualification I’ve gained is something I can add to my UCAS application and mention at any interviews I go to in the future.”
Fringe activities
TX radio Transmission (or TX as it’s referred to in the media industry) is the term used when products like radio or TV shows, webcasts or broadcasts are going live. That’s why this name was chosen for the brand identity of the specialist Media courses available at BMET, where students get the chance to broadcast live to a potentially world-wide audience on the web. TX_Radio, our online radio station, is based at the James Watt Campus and managed by both Media staff and students. To listen to station broadcasts, visit www. bmetc.ac.uk/tx
Careers events
Government and politics students took full advantage of the many discussion, workshop and networking activities that took place during the Liberal Democrat Party Conference held in the city. Module topics such as direct democracy, international relations and nationalism were explored during discussions attended by first and second years, relating to the election of a city Mayor, social justice and the Arab Springs.
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As part of his aim to introduce students to as many different political party representatives and campaigners as possible, Lecturer, Simon Foster made contact with Liberal Democrat Deputy leader, Simon Hughes and Liberty Director, Shami Chakrabarti in the hope that they would agree to give talks to the students in the future. “Seeing politicians in action has given me inspiration in my work,” said student, Rhiannon Storer.
Tuesdays 7.00pm start 6th March 2012 Public Services James Watt Campus 13th March 2012 Business Studies Matthew Boulton Campus 20th March 2012 Hair & Beauty James Watt Campus 27th March 2012 Engineering & Construction James Watt Campus 24th April 2012 Travell & Tourism Sutton Coldfield Campus
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